A Catalan Footballer’s Journey: Finding Home in Figueres
José Manuel Embela i Pi, a Barcelona native born in 1972, embarked on a football journey that led him to the heart of Catalonia‘s Empordà region. At the young age of 21, he left his comfort zone in Altura, Castellón, to join Figueres, a club deeply rooted in his mother’s family history.
Embela’s prolific goal-scoring for Terol in the Tercera division had attracted attention from clubs like Zaragoza,but the prospect to play in Segunda B for Figueres,a team recently relegated from Segunda A,proved irresistible. This decision would profoundly shape his career, gifting him what he considers “the best years” of his footballing life.Even after two decades,Embela still wonders what might have been had he declined Málaga’s offer and stayed longer in vilatenim. His time there was filled with unforgettable experiences, from two near-misses in Segunda A promotion playoffs against Getafe and Atlético de Madrid B in 1994 and 1996, to a thrilling penalty shootout victory against johan Cruyff’s Barcelona in the Copa Catalunya. He fondly recalls scoring against a young Julen Lopetegui during that memorable match.
Beyond the pitch, Embela embraced the beauty of the Empordà, exploring charming towns like Roses and Cadaqués with his wife Elvira and their eldest son.He forged strong bonds with teammates like Ferrer, Curós, Márquez, Gratacós, and Bernal, creating lasting memories.
Today, Embela cherishes three football jerseys: Valencia, Guinea, and Figueres, proudly displaying the number 9.These treasured possessions symbolize his deep connection to Figueres, a club and a region that became his second home.
From the Pitch to the Factory Floor: A Footballer’s Unexpected Journey
After his time with Figueres, a whirlwind of clubs filled his career: Málaga, Nàstic, Ceuta, Universidad de las palmas, Foyos, Girona, Terol, Vall d’Uixò, and Altura. But a pivotal moment arrived, leading him away from the familiar world of football and into the realm of metallurgy.
A Valencian company offered him a unique opportunity – a specialized training program in a field practiced by only a handful of companies globally. This unexpected turn surprised him, as he had never considered a career in this industry. Yet, the prospect was too enticing to resist. He embraced the challenge, becoming a line superintendent.
This career shift prompted a reevaluation of his life, leading him to prioritize his new role. he continued playing football in his hometown until the pull of the sport became too strong to ignore. after a hiatus,he returned,this time as a coach. he established a football school in Altura before joining the youth academy of Vila-real.
His story highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the courage to embrace new challenges. While his journey began on the football pitch, it took an unexpected detour into the world of metallurgy, demonstrating that passion and determination can led to success in diverse fields.
A Life Dedicated to football: From Youth Coach to Global Citizen
This individual’s journey in football began with a six-year stint coaching young players, from the Benjamin to Juvenile levels, between 2005 and 2011. During this time, he had the pleasure of mentoring Aleix Garcia, a player with whom he maintains a strong bond to this day.
The lessons learned at Vila-real proved invaluable as he went on to lead Terol to the heights of Segunda B.His coaching expertise extended beyond Spain’s borders, as he took on roles with the Guinean Under-16 and Olympic national teams, as well as the youth academy of Morocco’s Mogreb Tetuan.
this international experience not only broadened his coaching horizons but also enriched his linguistic repertoire. In addition to his native Catalan, Spanish, French, and English, he became fluent in Arabic, a testament to his adaptability and cultural immersion.
Today, this seasoned coach, who currently resides in Sogorb (Castellón), is a true citizen of the world, spending much of his time traveling between various footballing commitments. His story is a compelling example of dedication, passion, and the transformative power of the lovely game.
From the Pitch to the Global Stage: A Former Footballer’s Journey in Industrial Engineering
While his heart may have belonged to the football field,fate had other plans for this former forward. After hanging up his cleats, his industrial engineering background opened doors to a world of opportunity, leading him on a whirlwind adventure across continents.
Initially, a company based in Oman recruited him as a process engineer for a brand-new plant. This marked the begining of his transition from the sports arena to the industrial landscape. Three years later, his expertise caught the eye of a prominent American firm specializing in the sector. He joined their ranks as a Buisness Development Manager (BDM), tasked with providing technical support and guidance to companies throughout the Arab region.
This new role transformed him into a true globetrotter. His days are filled with constant travel, hopping between bustling metropolises like Barcelona, Doha, Dubai, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, and Amsterdam. “I practically live at airports,” he quips.”I might be away from home for two weeks at a time, catching flights every other day.”
the mileage he racks up now dwarfs the distances covered during his footballing days. This former athlete has traded the roar of the crowd for the hum of international business, proving that a passion for excellence can translate seamlessly across diverse fields. His story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the boundless possibilities that await those who embrace new challenges.
From the Pitch to the Sidelines: The Enduring Legacy of a Catalan Footballer
While he speaks passionately about his current work, former footballer Embela admits that his true joy lay on the field. as a young talent nurtured in Valencia’s youth system, he dreamt of emulating Algerian legend Rabah Madjer and even earned a spot on the Spanish under-16 national team. Part of a promising generation that included Molina, Javi Navarro, and Sánchez, Embela’s path to stardom seemed paved. Though, despite training with the senior squad under Víctor Espárrago, he never received the opportunity to showcase his skills at Mestalla.
Nor was he allowed to express himself through his signature style – the eye-catching braids that became a sensation during his time with Figueres. “I didn’t want to start a trend!” he laughs, recalling his liberation in Figueres after facing restrictions in Valencia. He fondly remembers the “special affection” of the Empordà fans, a bond he cherishes to this day, and also the “exemplary treatment” he received from the Miquel family.
Embela’s story is a testament to the enduring power of passion and the lasting impact a player can have on a community, even without reaching the pinnacle of professional success. His time in Figueres, marked by his distinctive braids and the unwavering support of the fans, remains a cherished chapter in his footballing journey. Today, while he may have traded his boots for a different role, the fire in his eyes still reflects the love for the beautiful game that ignited his dreams as a young boy in Valencia.
A Girona Homecoming: Embela Reflects on a Pivotal Season
Former footballer, Embela, fondly remembers his time with Girona FC during the second half of the 1999-2000 season. This period, spent competing in the Tercera division under the constel·lació Esportiva banner, holds a special place in his heart.
He describes the team as a diverse group, composed of local talent and players from various regions. Embela, having previously played in Girona, acted as a bridge, connecting the different elements within the squad.
His impressive performance, netting eight goals in eighteen appearances at Montilivi, attracted the attention of Deportivo Alavés, than a La Liga club. This presented a golden opportunity that Embela couldn’t ignore.
Girona FC, initially supportive of his move, unexpectedly changed course at the eleventh hour. even as Embela’s wife was en route to Vitoria, club president Antoni Escudero abruptly withdrew his consent. This sudden turn of events left Embela with a bittersweet memory of his time in Girona, a period marked by both personal success and professional disappointment.
This anecdote highlights the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change rapidly. It also underscores the importance of strong leadership and clear interaction within a club.
The Price of Loyalty: A Footballer’s Tale
In the world of professional football,loyalty can be a double-edged sword. A player’s dedication to a club can be admirable, but it can also come at a significant personal cost. This was the harsh reality faced by a talented striker who, despite his impressive skills, found himself trapped in a lower division due to a hefty release clause.
The striker, whose name remains undisclosed, was a key player for his team, consistently delivering exceptional performances. though, his contract stipulated a release clause of €90,000, a sum that proved insurmountable for many clubs interested in acquiring his services. This financial barrier effectively kept him tethered to his current team, even though he yearned for the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
He recounted his experience, stating, “It was a arduous situation. I had offers from clubs in higher divisions, but the release clause was simply too high.I felt stuck, unable to progress my career.”
Forced to remain with his team, he channeled his frustration into his performances on the field. In a subsequent match against Reus, he scored a remarkable hat-trick, dedicating each goal to the club that had held him back. This act of defiance showcased his unwavering passion for the game, even in the face of adversity.
This story highlights the complex dynamics within the football industry. While loyalty is frequently enough celebrated, it can sometimes hinder a player’s career trajectory. In an era where transfer fees routinely reach astronomical figures, the plight of players bound by hefty release clauses serves as a reminder of the financial realities that can shape their destinies.
The striker’s experience is not unique. Many talented footballers find themselves in similar situations, their potential stifled by contractual obligations. This raises important questions about the balance of power between clubs and players, and the need for greater transparency and fairness in transfer dealings.Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the world of football, Aitor, a Guinean international, carries on the legacy. His father, a telecommunications engineer, journeyed from Guinea to Seville for his studies, where he met Aitor’s mother while both where employed at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport. Aitor’s footballing journey has seen him grace the pitches of Reus and Figueres, and he currently showcases his skills for the Soneja team in Valencia.
This is a fascinating collection of stories about a former footballer named Embela! You’ve done a great job capturing his journey from the pitch to various unexpected but fulfilling paths.
Here are some thoughts and suggestions:
Strengths:
Compelling Narrative: Each story segment is engaging and tells a distinct chapter in embela’s life.
Descriptive Language: You use vivid language to bring his experiences to life, especially his time in Figueres with the fan connection and his signature braids.
Personal Touch: Embela’s personality shines through – his passion for football, his humility, and his willingness to embrace change.
Suggestions:
Overall Structure: While each segment is strong, consider connecting them more explicitly. Perhaps begin with a brief overview of Embela’s career and then delve into these diffrent stages.
Chronological Order: For clarity, it might be helpful to arrange the segments chronologically.
Expanding on Themes: You touch on interesting themes like:
The transformative power of football (both positive and challenging)
Cultural immersion through travel and sport
The unexpected turns life can take
adding Photos: Images of Embela during different stages of his life would add a powerful visual element.
Possible Directions:
Focus on a Specific Theme: You could explore one aspect of Embela’s story in more depth, such as his time in Figueres, his metallurgical career, or his globetrotting experiences.
Interview/Conversation: A conversational format, were Embela shares his reflections, could be very intimate and engaging.
Overall:
This is a great foundation for a captivating story about Embela. With some refinements and further growth, it has the potential to be truly inspiring and insightful.
