Valencia install statue at the Mestalla of late supporter who went blind but kept renewing his season ticket as club prepares for centenary celebrations Valencia fan Vicente Aparicio lost his sight 40 years ago due to a detached retina But he renewed his season ticket in 1994 and kept it until he died two years ago The club have paid tribute to Vicente as part of their centenary celebrations A life-sized statue has been erected where his seat used to be at the MestallaBy Robert Summerscales For Mailonline Published: 00:14 BST, 4 June 2019 | Updated: 00:14 BST, 4 June 2019 Viewcomments Valencia have paid a brilliant tribute to a blind supporter two years after his death. Vicente Aparicio went blind in his 50s due to a detached retina but his inability to see did not stop him visiting the Mestalla to soak up the atmosphere at every home game. He renewed his season ticket in 1994 and kept it until the day he died. And now, thanks to part of Valencia's centenary year celebrations, Vicente sits proudly at the Mestalla again. A statue of late Valencia fan Vicente Aparicio now sits proudly among the seats at the Mestalla That is because Valencia, who were formed in 1919, have erected a statue of Vicente inside the stadium. The La Liga club removed his old seat — No 164 in row 15 of the central grandstand — and filled the space with a life-sized figure depicting the loyal fan. His son has since visited the Mestalla and sat proudly next to the statue of his father. Vicente's son looks proudly at the statue of his father after placing a Valencia scarf around it Speaking on a documentary, Vicente's son remembered: 'The game against Karlsruher (in 1993) was the last time he followed a game on television. He said that, from then on, he would only go to games at the Mestalla, to feel the games, to feel Valencia CF. 'He enjoyed the atmosphere and I would talk him through what was happening on the pitch. '2004 (when Valencia won the UEFA Cup and La Liga double) was the happiest year of his life. He had this date marked on the calendar since 20 years ago. That's why I know how much he would have liked to have been here in the centenary year. That's why I know he's not going to miss it.' Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility