Alvaro Negredo has rubbished speculation linking him with an exit from Valencia, insisting such a move would be “strange” on the club’s part.
Los Che exercised their purchase option for the striker at the beginning of July, despite scoring just six goals in all competitions last season, but talk of a return to the Premier League has grown in recent days.
Nonetheless, the former Manchester City man has made it clear that he plans to stay at Mestalla for the foreseeable future and do all he can to win a place in his side’s attack.
“My mind’s set on [staying at] Valencia. I’m a player wanting to give what I’ve got, work and grow with my colleagues,” he was quoted as saying by Marca.
“[Regarding Coach Nuno Santo’s faith in his ability], I only feel like one more player, who hopes to contribute to the team with his quality.
“Last season was not the best for me, so now I must work twice as hard and give my best to the team.
“I don’t understand [the speculation about my future] because my priority is to stay and no-one has told me to leave.
“It would be strange if I left just after the club exercised their purchase option. I’m calm and here to work hard.
“I feel very welcome here and supported by both the fans and my teammates.
“[Nicolas Otamendi] is one of the best centre-backs in the world and we want him to stay, but if he doesn’t then we’ll wish him well.
“[In order to gain a place in the team], I must work twice as hard and score more goals.
“I believe we’ll overcome the Champions League playoffs together. Only goals, hard work and sacrifice can be asked of a striker.
“It’s true that much has been said about me [in the media], and I’m here to stop what’s being said.
“I read that I was absent from training and wasn’t happy, but I’ve trained for two days with fever.
“It’s not something to laugh about, so I’m here to stand up and say that I’m at ease.
“Paco [Alcacer] and Rodrigo [Moreno] are ahead of me [in the pecking order] but that situation can be turned around to work in my favour. I want to earn my place.”
