Pedro Porro donates part of his salary to help the victims of the floods in Valencia. The Spanish right-back of Tottenham Hotspur announced this after Sunday's league match against Aston Villa.
Embed from Getty Images
Pedro Porro, Tottenham Hotspur’s right-back, took a moment after his team's victory over Aston Villa to address the heart-wrenching situation in Valencia, a region devastated by severe flooding.
He used his Instagram account to dedicate the win to those currently enduring unimaginable hardship, as the natural disaster has already claimed over 200 lives. In his post, Porro wrote, “This is a sad time for all Spaniards. We have been suffering terribly for three, four, or five days. I can’t even imagine what it must be like for those affected in Valencia.” Speaking with the English media afterward, he elaborated on the intense suffering and grief shared by his country. This tragedy has weighed heavily on the minds of Spaniards, both at home and abroad, and Porro’s words reflected a profound empathy for his countrymen, despite being far from home.
Originally from western Spain, Porro has deep personal connections to the country, which makes his sense of helplessness even more poignant. A former player for Girona and Real Valladolid, he expressed a strong desire to help the flood victims but recognized his limitations. “I feel powerless,” he explained, “in the sense that I can’t be there to help, because I know what it’s like to be in the mud. I would be the first to lend a hand, but I’m in London and have to play matches, so that’s not possible.” Despite this frustration, Porro has committed to making a tangible difference by donating a portion of his salary to relief efforts, a move he hopes will help provide much-needed supplies, food, and other essentials for the recovery process. His willingness to use his platform and financial resources demonstrates the responsibility he feels toward his country in this difficult time.
While Porro could not assist directly, Osasuna player Rubén García was able to respond to the disaster in a hands-on way. Following Osasuna’s match against Real Valladolid last Saturday, García headed straight to Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit towns, to offer his support. García, who played for Valencia and Levante as a youth, has close ties to the region, which undoubtedly fueled his determination to help. In a show of solidarity, Osasuna granted García permission to skip Wednesday’s cup match against Chiclana, allowing him to focus on assisting his community during this crisis. The 30-year-old midfielder joined local volunteers and relief workers in cleanup efforts, reflecting the urgent need for collective action and the deep-rooted connection many players have with their hometowns. Osasuna's compassionate decision underscores the respect for players’ ties to their communities and a recognition of the importance of support beyond the confines of football.
Coach Vicente Moreno also felt the call to return to his home region. After witnessing the devastation unfolding in Valencia, he hurried back to help with cleanup efforts in his hometown. His actions are emblematic of the collective resolve among Spaniards to step in wherever possible, underscoring how deeply the disaster has resonated throughout the country. For many, the destruction isn’t just a distant tragedy but a personal crisis impacting their loved ones, neighbors, and the places they grew up.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has not been spared from the floods, although the impact is less severe compared to Valencia. Even the renowned Polish striker Robert Lewandowski experienced the effects of the extreme weather. Social media posts by his wife, Anna, revealed that their villa’s garage had been flooded, a stark reminder of the reach of this disaster. Fortunately, the flooding at Lewandowski’s residence in Castelldefels was not as severe as the devastation reported in other parts of the country, but it demonstrated how the heavy rains have disrupted lives across Spain. Lewandowski’s experience underscores the far-reaching effects of the disaster, which have affected not only the general public but high-profile athletes as well.
The floods have had significant repercussions on Spanish football, with several La Liga and cup matches postponed to ensure public safety. The disruptions in the football schedule reflect a collective prioritization of resources toward disaster relief and the rebuilding process. For many in the football community, the tragedy has prompted a rethinking of priorities, with players and coaches turning their attention to supporting the recovery efforts, whether financially or through physical presence.
In the face of this catastrophe, Porro’s decision to donate part of his salary and García and Moreno’s actions serve as powerful reminders of the solidarity within the football community. These gestures, whether through donations or direct involvement, underscore a common commitment to providing relief to those in need. This tragedy has united players, coaches, and fans alike, not only in grief but in shared purpose, with football figures across Spain stepping up to aid in the recovery.
Updated: 09:59, 5 Nov 2024
