Jordi Alba is currently in the United States with Inter Miami, participating in the new Club World Cup. Reflecting on his time at Valencia, the former player expressed mixed feelings about a potential return to his former club. Despite his strong affection for Valencia, he recalled a negative experience with the fans during a match when he played for Barcelona, which he hopes would not overshadow his appreciation for the team.
Recently making a comeback from injury, Jordi Alba has been in action, having played briefly against Porto and is set to be a potential starter in Inter Miami’s crucial match that could lead them to the next round. When asked about the possibility of returning to Valencia, he expressed, “I hold a lot of affection for the club. They treated me very well during my time there. However, I haven’t considered that ‘last dance.’” He acknowledged that his recent visits to Mestalla with Barcelona were not positive experiences and hoped for better ones.
Alba took a moment to send a heartfelt message to Valencia’s fans: “Despite what many might think, I have great affection for the team. It is the club that gave me everything I needed to succeed and debut in Primera. My years there, from the youth team to the first team, were very happy, and I am grateful to everyone in general.”
He joined Valencia’s youth team in 2007 and climbed to the first team by the 2008/09 season. After a loan spell at Nástic de Tarragona, where he made his Segunda División debut, he returned to Valencia and played a key role before moving to Barcelona in 2012. Nevertheless, he has indicated that a future reunion with Valencia seems unlikely.
This connection is a reminder of how deeply professional journeys shape an athlete’s career, and Alba’s fond memories of Valencia reflect a personal history that is meaningful even as he embraces new challenges in the United States. The commitment to gratitude and respect is a testament to the values that resonate in sports today.