In the summer of 2006, Valencia CF had just completed a season under Quique Sánchez Flores that showed a club capable of competing at the highest level in Spain and Europe. After a previous era of domestic triumphs, the team was solidifying its status and aiming to return to the top of the continent, with two Champions League finals already on the club’s resume in recent years.
That trajectory unfolded under the ownership of Juan Soler, the businessman whose stewardship brought both resources and turbulence to the club. Soler steered operations with a firm hand, and the summer of 2006 saw Quique Sánchez Flores seeking to reinforce the squad, especially on the wings, to elevate the already strong connection he had with Miguel Angulo in midfield.
The player Quique hoped to bring in was a Brazilian winger from Roma, Mancini, whose price at the time would have been more affordable than the eventual deal for Joaquín. Those negotiations, conducted in Valencia at the Hotel Las Arenas, faced a price barrier that ultimately could not be overcome, largely due to the involvement of Mendes and the absence of a consensus with the Portuguese agent. The deal did not close, and the club pivoted away from Mancini as July drew to its close.
With Mancini unavailable, Quique remained steadfast in his desire for a dynamic right wing, and Joaquín Sánchez emerged as a viable and exciting alternative. The memory of when Joaquín finally joined Valencia remains vivid for many who followed the club closely at the time. The summer of that signing unfolded in a period without the instant global connectivity fans enjoy today. There was no widespread internet access on mobile devices, and platforms like WhatsApp did not exist yet. News came through the daily papers, Marca or AS, late-night radio, and occasional teletext updates. In that era, Valencia was a topic often found in a few sports bulletins among a sea of other headlines.
When Joaquín arrived, it was as if a larger story was unfolding. Real Madrid and Chelsea had shown interest, both clubs making bids that ultimately did not secure the deal. Valencia, however, succeeded in convincing the Andalusian winger to join, and he publicly expressed his intention to move, a stance that drew attention and some controversy from supporters of his former club. The transfer was completed by the end of August, following the club’s approval and strategic pressure points, including a notable trip to Albacete used as leverage as the signing approached completion.
Joaquín spent five seasons with Valencia, and the early period proved challenging as he adapted to a new environment. The first year carried high expectations, and it took time for him to reach the form that had impressed observers during his time with Betis. Opinions varied on whether he found the ideal rhythm, but many remember the player fondly for more than just his goals and assists. Joaquín brought a style of football that invited spectators to the stadium, featuring dribbling, improvisation, and resilience. His influence went beyond statistics; it was about the energy and flair he offered on the pitch, a rare quality that elevated the whole team and captivated fans during his Mestalla years.
There are moments that linger in memory for fans and pundits alike. One such memory involves a chance encounter outside a nightclub, just before a scheduled interview the following day. Joaquín greeted a journalist with a casual phrase that underscored the personal bond and mutual respect that existed during those years. Decades later, his farewell to football came after a long and storied career in Spain, marking the end of an era for Valencia and for those who witnessed his journey. His departure stood as a reminder that football evolves—teams, leagues, and even the players themselves move on to new chapters, while the legacy of a certain style of attack, spontaneity, and craft remains in the collective memory of those who watched him play at Mestalla.