Lato: "Getting to captain the team makes me very proud"

Toni Lato was back in action for Valencia CF's Copa del Rey game against Yeclano Deportivo, featuring for 76 minutes before being subbed off for José Luis Gayà. Not only did the full back play for the majority of the game, he also wore the captain's armband for the first time.
 

Toni Lato was back in action for Valencia CF's Copa del Rey game against Yeclano Deportivo, featuring for 76 minutes before being subbed off for José Luis Gayà. Not only did the full back play for the majority of the game, he also wore the captain's armband for the first time.

"Getting to captain the team today makes me very proud. It's a childhood dream that I had, and I took it on with plenty of desire and passion," he told VCF Media after the final whistle.

The 23 year old was given the responsibility as the most senior player on the pitch, having debuted for the first team back in February of 2016.

He has previously been captain at youth level: First with Atletico Vallbonense and then with several teams in the VCF Academy, sharing the duty with Carlos Soler.

As well as expressing his joy at reaching another milestone, Lato was also pleased with how the match went.

"We've seen results in which big Primera División sides have been knocked out, and we knew that we had to be focused from the opening minute in order to go through. We had to be serious and not overlook the game. I think that we did that: We were solid, we came out confident from the get-go, and I think that it was a good game from the team that helps us, and boosts us for LaLiga."

Lato expects to be available for the LaLiga fixture against Valladolid on Sunday, as he looks to get a run of games going.

"I've been out for a little while -almost 20 days- and it was important for me to get back into again today. It went well today, so I have to continue in the same way."

The fullback has been a skipper at practically every level, since joining at Prebenjamin level.

Before his call-up to the first team, he led VCF Mestalla to success as one of the team's captains.

On January 7th, 2021, he took on the armband in the Copa del Rey against Yeclano Deportivo.