From the Pitch to a New Chapter: Valentini Hangs Up the Boots as Nürnberg's Stalwart Departs
Valentine's career hunt comes to an end at Nuremberg: Emotional goodbyes mark the last day - Retiring Nürnberger Valentino sheds emotional farewell tears
Saying goodbye is never easy, and this August, Enrico "Vale" Valentini finds himself in a similar situation. After a 16-year-long professional career, the veteran defender is embarking on a new journey - retirement.
His last hurrah? A bustling wine festival in his hometown's village of Ridotti, located in the Abruzzi province of Italy. It's a celebration he hasn't attended since he was a teenager, and he can hardly wait to revel in the festivities like a kid on Christmas morning.
A journey that started at four
On August 10th, at the stroke of a wine glass, Valentini will rise as a former pro. His contract with 1. FC Nürnberg will expire at the end of June, and he will pass the torch to the club's young talents as the new U14 coach.
"Vale has unmatched wisdom that he can impart not just on the pitch, but also through his values," said youth chief Michael Wiesinger, recounting his long history with the club since joining FCN at the tender age of four.
"Too much Hollywood"
Valentini's final home game with Nürnberg paradoxically echoes a scene straight out of a movie. The match, against 1. FC Köln, is scheduled for this Friday (6:30 PM). The emotional veteran anticipates a tearful farewell.
He confesses that scoring in his swansong would be the cherry on top of his career, though he acknowledges it could be "too much Hollywood, almost too cheesy."
A farewell to a model professional
Valentini, a family man living in the Nürnberger district of Zabo with his wife Xenia and sons Emilio and Elia, admitted he would miss the competition. He plans to organize regular games of four-on-four or five-on-five in a hall to satiate his competitive urge.
Sports director Joti Chatzialexiou praised Valentini: "With his character, his unwavering devotion to the club, and his ceaseless enthusiasm, both on and off the pitch, Enrico is the model professional every team dreams of."
A heartfelt thanks to his humble beginnings
This retirement marks another heartfelt moment for Valentini, especially to his immigrant parents Vincenzo and Maria, who worked tirelessly to build a name in Nürnberg's gastronomy.
"My parents deserve all the gratitude I can muster," Valentini said with uncontainable emotion. "I only discovered much later the struggles they faced, living in debt, yet starting the restaurant despite it all."
- After 16 years of service, Enrico "Vale" Valentini, the veteran defender, is retiring from professional football, having spent the final years of his career with 1. FC Nürnberg.
- Michael Wiesinger, the youth chief at 1. FC Nürnberg, expressed appreciation for Valentini's wisdom and long history with the club, which began when he joined at the age of four.
- In his hometown's wine festival in Ridotti, Italy, Valentini plans to celebrate his retirement like a child on Christmas morning, a festivity he hasn't attended since he was a teenager.
- Sports director Joti Chatzialexiou recognized Valentini as a model professional, praising him for his character, unwavering devotion to the club, and enthusiasm, both on and off the pitch.
- Valentini expressed his gratitude towards his immigrant parents, Vincenzo and Maria, who worked tirelessly to build a name in Nürnberg's gastronomy, highlighting it as a significant moment in his heartfelt retirement.
