Valencia Kitman Bernardo Espana Receives Incredible Emotional Farewell After 55 Years Service

Bernardo Espana was given a fond farewell after 55 years of service at the club. The 78-year old Valencia kitman washed the shorts and shirts of the likes of Pablo Aimar, Gaizka Mendieta and Juan Mata since 1961.

Valencia Kitman Given Emotional Farewell

Bernardo Espana stole the show ahead of Valencia's last friendly match of the pre-season.

The 78-year-old, who is retiring this year, was paraded in front of the Spanish giant' fans at a packed out Mestalla Stadium ahead of their final pre-season game against Fiorentina. He walked out of the tunnel to rapturous applause and was given a guard of honor before making his way towards the Valencia players, who had been unveiled to the crowd minutes beforehand.

Espana was initially a promising player but suffered a motorcycle accident and was asked to help out as a member of the backroom staff at the Mestalla in 1961 as he recovered. Valencia used their pre-match preparations to show off their squad for the upcoming season, but it was Espana who received the biggest cheer from the supporters and also received a special certificate of the club.