Rayo Vallecano relocate and pay rent for 85-year-old supporter who was made homeless

Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers

Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

La Liga side Rayo Vallecano have vowed to help an elderly woman after she was evicted from her home.

Carmen Martinez Ayuso was kicked out of her home of 50 year's, close to the club's stadium in the Vallecas area of Madrid, over the weekend.

In a statement the club vowed to help the 85-year-old find somewhere to stay and would even pay her rent.

"Of course it touches us. The worst thing that could happen to a family is getting thrown out of your home, especially when you consider she had been living there for 50 years," read a statement from Rayo coach Paco Jemez.

"We won't stand idly by, of course we are going to do something to help. We are going to help this woman, not just me, but the coaching staff, the players, the club.

"We are going to search for a place where she can live with dignity."

Jemez explained that Carmen had been kicked out of her apartment after he son had used it as collateral on a loan he was unable to pay.

He added: "Within our ability, we will help this lady and give her a hand so that she finds a place to live with dignity and so she doesn't feel alone.

"I'm very proud we can lend her a hand. I'd like to help more people, but that's impossible.

"What is within our power, we will do. Also, we will start an initiative so that anyone who wants to help will have the ability to lend a hand. We are very sensitive to this and what happened to her could happen to anyone."

Rayo has an annual budget of just £5.5million, compared to the £469m budget that Real Madrid operate under.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Carmen said: "A thousand times thank you, God bless them. It's a beautiful gesture that they didn't need to do and Viva el Rayo!

"If I see [Paco Jemez] I'll give him 40 kisses. But the only time I've seen him was during the neighborhood fairs.

"We always supported Rayo in this family. I remember when we used to go to the swimming pools, which were right next to the stadium. But now we have different motivations to support them.

"I'm certain my husband is showing his gratitude in heaven."