Former Valencia footballer Jose Castillejo has died as a result of the flash floods that have devastated the Spanish city.
Flash flooding has hit eastern Spain with a year of rain falling in one day. 150 deaths have been confirmed in the Valencia region with 28-year-old Castillejo among them.
‘Valencia CF mourn the passing of José Castillejo, casualty of the flash floodings,’ a statement from the La Liga giants read.
‘José Castillejo came up through the [club’s] youth system up to U18 level and played for others teams in the region.’
Castillejo, a midfielder, played for Valencia’s various youth teams before representing other clubs in the region including Torre Levante, Paterna, Eldense, Buñol, Recambios Colón and CD Roda.
Eldense have also released a statement expressing their condolences over the death of their former player, who wore their colours in the 2015-16 season.
‘We have received terrible news about the catastrophic flooding,’ the club said.
‘CD Eldense deeply regrets the passing of José Castillejo at the age of 28, who was a blue-and-burgundy player during the 2015/2016 season. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace.’
The flash flooding in Spain has been labelled the worst natural disaster in the country’s history with harrowing footage showing entire towns swept away and abandoned cars piled high in the streets.
Valencia’s game against Real Madrid on Saturday has been postponed with all games in the region to be rescheduled.
Players from the six-time Spanish champions have contributed to recovery efforts with Maximiliano Caufriez, Jesus Vazquez and Thierry Rendall among those collecting supplies at the club’s Mestalla Stadium where local residents have gathered.
Valencia defender César Tárrega said: ‘The truth is that it has been very tough. Suddenly I get a phone call from my parents saying that the whole town is flooding. Luckily they are fine, the family are fine so you have got to give priority to that.
Cars and trucks were among the debris swept up in the municipality of Massanassa (Picture: Getty)
‘Material things are secondary and it is important to give a lot of support to all the families affected. This has not only happened in one town, it has affected a few of them. In fact, within the team, there are several teammates affected including their families and friends. I want to give the message that were ain this together and we will get through it.’
LaLiga and its clubs pledged on Thursday to help raise funds for the Red Cross to support those affected by the disaster with Real Madrid donating €1million to the cause.
‘The Real Madrid Foundation and the Red Cross have today launched a fundraising campaign to support those affected by the storm and the club have decide to support this campaign with a donation of one million euros to help the many families who are in a critical situation and need all our help and solidarity,’ the Spanish champions said in a statement.
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