Elche
Elche CF (ELC)
Overview
Elche Club de Fútbol is a historic Spanish football club founded in 1923 in the city of Elche, in the Valencian Community. The club, nicknamed los Franjiverdes (the Green-striped) in reference to the green and white stripes on their shirt, currently competes in Spanish second division after having experienced several periods in La Liga, the elite of Spanish championship.
Elche plays home matches at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, a modern 33,000-capacity venue inaugurated in 1976, which hosted 1982 World Cup matches including a famous semi-final. The stadium is named after a former club president who marked its history. The team experienced its golden age in the 1960s and early 2010s, when they established themselves as a solid La Liga formation.
The club is famous for having produced numerous talents, notably David Silva, legendary midfielder who shone at Manchester City. Elche maintains a regional rivalry with Hércules of Alicante and other Valencian clubs. Despite recurring financial difficulties, the club benefits from a loyal, passionate supporter base that fills the stadium during great occasions. The Franjiverdes represent Elche's pride and continue fighting to return to Spanish football's elite.