Gala dinner closes Centenary week

The Centenary week celebrations for Valencia CF were rounded off by a gala dinner on Sunday, featuring speeches from club president Anil Murthy, VCF Ex-Footballers Association president Fernando Giner, and RFEF Institutional Relations director Antonio Gómez Ruíz.

The event, held in the Principe Felipe Museum at the city's Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias venue, followed the Legends Game at Mestalla, which saw players from the club's past in action -as well as a spectacular fireworks display to light up the sky.

Valencian Football Federation president, Salvador Gomar, presented the club with an original photograph of the squad from Valencia CF's founding year, 1919. The picture had previously been property of the federation. Antonio Gómez Ruíz also gave Valencia CF a series of gifts on behalf of the RFEF, including an image from the first international game at Mestalla (Spain vs. Italy, 1925).

Anil Murthy: "We've had an intense week of acts and events; with thousands of Valencianistas both in the streets with us, and at Mestalla with us for a spectacular occasion. I came to Valencia from Singapore a little over two years ago. In this one week I have experienced some beautiful things. What conclusions can I draw from this? That we have a glorious history, that we have legends and heroes willing to spend time in the streets with the fans in this city, that the history of Valencia CF is a living one -and the future is promising."

Fernando Giner: "It's been an unforgettable day that will stay in all of our memories. Many months of work have gone into this, with many colleagues and people at the club who have given their all to make this happen. What we've experienced at Mestalla is impossible to describe. The stadium is filled by the feeling the fans have for the club, and the pride of having VCF in their hearts. The reason for us being here is our colleagues, so thank you to everyone."