Lucas Vázquez, the third captain of Real Madrid, expressed that football should have been suspended in Spain last weekend as a sign of solidarity and support for those affected by the DANA in the Valencia Community. He emphasized that it was “the time to be” with them, but lamented that players do not have “that decision-making power,” despite being “the main actors” in “the football industry.”

“It shouldn’t have been played. Football should have taken a backseat. It was time to be with those affected and to focus solely on that. The most important thing is the people, the community. When tragedies like this occur, it’s hard to isolate yourself,” he said at a press conference.

“What the manager said is absolutely right. Our opinion and our strength are zero; we have to be professionals and do what we are told, even if we don’t want to,” he continued.

“There are many things that slip away from us. There is a significant distance between the players and the entire organization. Communication is complicated. Football is an industry where we, the players, are the main actors, but we don’t have that decision-making power, and we have to do things that, even if we don’t feel like doing them, we have to do,” he added.

In the 12th round of LaLiga EA Sports, two matches scheduled to take place in the Valencia Community—Villarreal vs. Rayo Vallecano and Valencia vs. Real Madrid—were postponed.

This press appearance took place ahead of the Champions League match against AC Milan on Tuesday, where the tragedy caused by the DANA was the main topic.

“I would like to send a message of encouragement to all the families affected by the DANA in Valencia. These are difficult times. I want to convey that they are not alone; we will help and support them in any way we can. I also want to express the pride we feel in the solidarity of the people during these tough moments. We all hope that everything returns to normal as soon as possible and that we can move past this,” Lucas Vázquez began.

The Spanish player criticized the actions of politicians in Valencia via his social media but refrained from commenting when asked in the press conference.

“We feel very sad about what has happened. These have been difficult, turbulent days, during which our people have suffered. It’s a time for all of us to reflect on what has happened to try to overcome this together,” he responded.

“We are very sad about everything that has happened and how things have unfolded. It’s time to encourage those affected and focus on that,” he added.

Lucas Vázquez highlighted the reaction of the people and their assistance to all those affected.

“I feel sad about what has happened. The people have suffered a lot. Once again, it has been shown that the human quality of the people in Spain is remarkable, with great solidarity from the very beginning to help. That is beautiful, and I hope we learn from these circumstances,” he stated.

Finally, Lucas Vázquez, the only right-back in the first team due to Dani Carvajal's long-term knee injury, assured that he will give “his all” to help his team now that he has to take on a more prominent role.

“The absence of Carvajal is very important for Real Madrid, both football-wise and personally. He is a player with great character and charisma. I need to participate a bit more than I was, give my best, and help the team in every way I can, leaving everything on the field,” he concluded.