Today’s football scene makes it rare for a player to stay with the same club for many seasons, especially when a team climbs from the lower divisions toward the top flight. Teams tend to refresh their rosters after several campaigns in higher tiers and when assets merge within the league system.
Three Elche players have earned the honor of wearing the franciverde jersey for five seasons. They have proven their value across Segunda B, Segunda, and La Liga. Verdú, Josán Ferrández, and Fidel Chaves are set to begin their sixth year with Elche next season. Verdú and Josán will remain the club’s last survivors from the Segunda B era. Fidel contributed across two spells, delivering standout performances in the second tier.
The club, based in Cartagena, arrived at Martínez Valero on June 20, 2017 — a signing that marked a bid to climb out of the third Spanish division that Elche faced. The then-sporting director Jorge Cordero acted decisively, bringing in a defender whom the project would hinge upon.
Gonzalo Verdú fulfilled his dream of playing professional football, especially in the top division with Elche. He captains the team and leads by example both on and off the pitch. The path to the elite arrived after years in Segunda B, and Verdú has already celebrated two promotions: one to the second tier and another to the first. He remains a strong candidate to shine again next season.
“For me, Elche means everything. I barely remember a time when I wasn’t here. The memories since my arrival are unforgettable, and I believe the best years are still ahead,” Verdú said in a recent interview with the club’s official channels.
José Verdú’s career mirrors Verdú’s trajectory. He joined the franciverde ranks after helping the team in Segunda B and quickly moved up following three promotions. He saw limited playing time in the second tier before Elche’s climb to the first division, which fulfilled his dream of representing his hometown club in the top flight.
Since arriving, Josan Ferrández has enjoyed a steady ascent: promoted to the second tier, then to the first, and then two seasons competing among the elite. “Elche is the club that gave me everything; reaching the first division is a dream come true,” he has stated. He recalls a rapid rise that began in Segunda B and culminated in top-tier football for his home city’s team.
Reflecting on the journey, Ferrández notes how far the club has come. The squad faced tough moments, yet the momentum persisted and culminated in notable seasons. The player’s memories include a sense of gratitude for the fans and the city, which remains deeply connected to their success.
The Crevillente native kept his feet on the ground, acknowledging the challenge of competing at the highest level while staying true to Elche’s roots. “We arrived during a difficult period, and it’s incredible to reflect on what has been achieved,” he said, highlighting the club’s notable points records and consecutive stays in the top division. The Centenario season stands out as a peak, a testament to the team’s improvement and consistency.
Verdú turns 33 in October and has a contract for next season. He has consistently expressed a desire to retire as a green-and-white emblem, reinforcing his long-standing commitment to the club.
Josan Ferrández shares a parallel path with Verdú. He broke through with Elche in Segunda B after three promotions and, despite limited action in the higher division early on, his career shifted decisively when the team reached the first division. In his own words, Elche has given him everything, and the move to the top tier validated years of hard work.
“We’ve faced difficult times, and it’s remarkable to see how much has been achieved,” Ferrández said. A teammate recalls a personal anecdote about the initial seasons, underscoring how a mix of faith and effort translated into tangible results and inspires the squad to push for more success.
Josan’s renewal covers another season as he approaches his 33rd birthday in December. He remains confident that his contribution can grow even more in Elche’s ongoing campaign, keeping a key role within the squad.
Verdú and Josan’s football journeys might have taken a different route had they joined another club. Both were tracked by rival teams like Hercules, and their paths diverged when Elche secured their signatures. At one point, the winter market of the 2017-2018 season saw simultaneous interest from Hércules and Elche while both competed in Segunda B. The decision to join Franciverde shaped their careers and the trajectory of their teams, underscoring the impact of strategic decisions in early career phases.
From youth to seasoned veterans, Fidel Chaves stands as the third player to reach five years at Elche, albeit across two spells. He was part of the Elche squad that rose to La Liga in the 2012-2013 season and played in the top flight before departing in the following season. He returned three years ago and has since accumulated success, including promotion to the higher league and two additional stays. His steady presence has made him a fan favorite, cementing his role as a dependable asset for the club.
Chaves recently extended his contract for two seasons, with the agreement running through 2024. At 34, he remains determined to continue contributing and plans to settle his career within Elche’s ecosystem.