Real Betis winger Joaquin says he will not celebrate if he scores against Valencia in La Liga on Saturday after paying tribute to his former employers.
The veteran made over 200 appearances for Los Che between 2006 and 2011, having joined for a then-club-record fee of €25m, and he admits “it’s always special to return” to Mestalla.
“It’s always special to return to Valencia. I was there for five years and enjoyed my time there,” he told Onda Cero.
“I adore their fans and my wife still travels there a lot. I still have a relationship with my former colleagues and staff at the club.
“I’m very proud of my time at Valencia. I was very happy when I was there. During my visit to Mestalla, I’ll be seeing the fans I love and reliving some great moments.
“It’ll be special and something different because it’s a stadium which motivates you to play.
“If I score then I won’t celebrate because it’s a way of showing my respect and affection to the club and their fans.
“I saw in Valencia in the Champions League, but Zenit are a great team, although it was only the first game.
“They still have time to make things right. We’re not favourites on Saturday, but we’ll suffer if we go there with any doubts.
“Still, we’re an aggressive team and we won’t let Valencia have all the ball. We have to be smart.
“They’re a Champions League team and very dangerous at home, so we must be aggressive defensively, know how to suffer and take our chances.”
