Otorbi wants to return and help his team while improving

“When I come back, I want to help the team and become a better footballer,” Otorbi says. He joined the Academia VCF at the age of 12 and progressed through the ranks to the first team. Now, as he recovers from a muscle injury, he is already looking ahead to his return.

His contract with Valencia has been extended until June 2031 and includes a 60 million clause. The new deal has brought him particular joy during a difficult personal period, as the injury he suffered against Villarreal is expected to keep him out for between six and eight weeks.

Otorbi recalls the pain and frustration of getting injured. He was trying to accelerate to make the most of a counterattack when he felt his muscle tear. “I was frustrated on the ground. I hoped it wouldn’t be anything serious, that football wasn’t going to end for me,” he says. He also recalls feeling some happiness when he saw Pepelu’s goal. The contract, he adds, brought him some comfort too.

The recovery comes after important steps in his development. Otorbi says he feels well and notes that his parents are very happy after years of work. Since making his debut, he believes he has improved tactically and physically. “Making your debut is easy; staying is another story,” he says, stressing the need to seize opportunities in training and show motivation. He believes the club has shown confidence in him and sees room for him to improve and help the team in the future.

The player also remembers a cadet training session when Angulo moved him up to train with VCF Mestalla. Javi Guerra was there, and a few months later he was with the first team. Otorbi says he was amazed by that progression.

Now, younger academy players ask him how to reach professional football. He tells them that hard work, enthusiasm, patience and desire matter, and encourages them to wait for their chance while continuing to give their all.

Otorbi also praises Aguirre’s support, saying that since arriving he has shown him a great deal of confidence and brings energy to the group. He urges supporters to stay calm and keep backing the team, promising that they will repay their support with happier moments. When he returns, his aim remains the one he put simply: to help the team and become a better footballer.