A left winger with outstanding technique, pace and scoring ability, his professional career, blighted by constant injuries,[3][4][5][6][7][8] was mainly associated with Valencia with whom he appeared in 340 competitive matches over 11 seasons, winning five major titles including two La Liga championships.

[12] The arrival of Rafael Benítez as coach in 2001–02 would mark Vicente's opportunity to prove himself, and he did not disappoint as his progress led to the club's first league title in over 30 years.

[15] After a productive year, Vicente was linked with a host of important teams, but turned down any eventual move and agreed to a further four-year extension, stating: "I'm happy to remain at Valencia because I was born here and it's my home.

"[16] In the 2004–05 season, however, under the management of Claudio Ranieri, his forays down the wing appeared stagnated as the coach opted to favour fellow Italian Emiliano Moretti to provide support for him rather than to let him have a free role along the left; furthermore, ankle injuries hindered his campaign.

Valencia responded that they would open disciplinary proceedings against Vicente after these statements, citing: 'The club will take the necessary action against the player depending on whether his conduct is considered a 'serious' or 'very serious' offence under internal regulations'.

[26] Vicente's fitness problems persisted in the following campaign, as he only made his first appearance on 6 January 2010, replacing Mata for the final 15 minutes of the 1–2 home loss against Deportivo de La Coruña in the first leg of the Copa del Rey's round-of-16.

[28] He made his official debut on the 21st, in a 1–2 home loss against Liverpool for the season's Football League Cup, winning a penalty which resulted in the Ashley Barnes goal.

[32] On 10 March 2012, Brighton beat Portsmouth 2–0 at home, with Vicente scoring a brace – including one from a low free kick – lifting his team into the play-off places and stretching their unbeaten run to 12 games.

[33] In May 2013, after only 13 appearances during the season, he was released alongside Gary Dicker and Marcos Painter;[34] following his departure he described his former boss, Gus Poyet, as "the worst person I've come across in football", "selfish" and "egocentric".