Aguante Villarreal

Rumors of Riquelme going to Atletico Madrid with Diego Forlan had surfaced. I was immediately saddened because the recognizable possibility of such move. Month or two ago, Boca Junior had claimed they did not have the financial capability to keep Roman, and Villarreal had confirmed that he would not return to the Yellow Submarines after his loan contract with Boca had expired.

With Fernando Torres moving to liverpool, Atletico will likely try to reacquire a striker. With their financial capability, buying Forlan to partner up Aguero wouldn't of been much of a problem. But now they want Roman too, and there's not a damn thing El Submarino could do about it...

I've been a long time Villarreal fan, since when she was struggling in Spanish Segunda División in the 80s. My first Jersey was a Villarreal Jersey, and I've fell in love with the Yellow Submarines since the first sight.

Little did I know, to remain a faithful fan of Villarreal would of been such a struggle, a hard and long one. It took 10 years for us to get the promotion, only to be relegated again right the way.

But it was an experience worthy of every bit of the pain and tears.

Without having the financial backing like Spanish giants such as R.Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, Villarreal remained in the Primera División after its second promotion, and little by little forced its way onto international stages. By placing 3rd in Primera División after 2003-04 season, Villarreal finally appeared in Champion's League for the first time.

Against european giants, our players fought their hearts out. Tying ManU twice to remain undefeated throughout the group stage; defeating Rangers in 8th finals; and finally beating Inter Milan in quarter finals... El Submarinos players showed the world what little clubs could do, and put all those deep pocket bum teams to shame.

But the struggles endured by Villarreal fans would continue. With Diego Forlan's injury, we not only lost 1-0 aggregate to Arsenal, the entire LFP season was jeopardized. With a 7th finishing after the season, we failed to place in any prestigious european competition. With the departure of Roman and Sorin, the future of Villarreal looked never so dim.

2006-2007 season started out difficult, at mid point Villarreal was out of sight of even Intertoto Cup. But to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps is what we do. With 8 consecutive wins towards the end of season, el submarino managed to defeat Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia and Seville. By doing so she placed 5th in LFP and earned entrance to UEFA Cup.

So now, maybe we'll see Forlan go to Atletico with Roman, maybe we won't. But you know what? Villarreal fans aren't really worried about it! We're used to hits like this. Give your best shot, and we may fall, but I guarantee you'll see us getting back up, standing taller than ever before.

Gracias Villarreal. I am eternally a loyal fan of El Submarino Amarillo.