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Rubén Gracia Calmache. Better known as "Cani", of course, and he will be playing his 300th match for Villarreal at Levante on Sunday. EPM's Sr. Lizarraga has a profile about him here, and you can see him cutting his celebratory cake on the accompanying video. (Apparently Cani joked he couldn't eat it himself because of the fitness regimen all our players are on during the season).
The subplot is of course Cani's existing contract ends this June. He says he is happier than ever at Villarreal and at age 32 seems to be playing better than ever, and it's expected he will put pen to paper on a contract extension--no one seems bothered about it.
However, Mateo Musacchio may be a different matter. His contract also expires at the end of this season, and Firentina (naturally) are rumored to be interested, and apparently Jose Mourinho at Chelsea as well, if rumors are to be believed. Regardless, he's only 23 (hard to believe, I know, since this is his fourth season as a regular!) and should be in demand. So the club either has to get him signed to a new contract, make a deal in the winter market, or see him (potentially) leave for nothing in the summer. Presumably there have been discussions behind the scenes--Villarreal is very good about keeping such things quiet--but expect to hear more about him over the next month or two.
Gio dos Santos has begun training again with the first team (as has Chechu Dorado and Farinós) so we may see him on Sunday.
Also, The New York Cosmos played a friendly today against a combined Villarreal B and C (I am guessing, since both our filiales played over the weekend, this team was made up of players who didn't play on those matches), with the visitors winning 1-0. You can see highlights here (and maybe some of you can identify the cantera players!) The Cosmos conclude their visit to Vila-real with an open practice at the Sports City tomorrow morning, and Marcos Senna will be there so fans will have one last chance to spend some time with him.
Endavant Villarreal!!