Miroslav Djukic has reflected on the ‘difficult but right decision’ to tell David Albelda that he was not in his plans for next season at Valencia.
A short meeting between Los Che’s new Coach and veteran of 15 seasons saw the player informed that the club would not be offering him a new contract.
Albelda had announced earlier in the season that this was likely to be the end of his stay at Mestalla, but hinted towards the final day of the campaign that he may have changed his mind.
However, as Valencia’s newly appointed Coach explained today, the 35-year-old did not fit into his plans for next year.
“It was a difficult decision for all of us,” Djukic told Onda Cero.
“It is not easy because David has been an institution within an institution, but we decided to begin this project without David and it took a lot but I had to make the decision.
“He understood perfectly and took it very professionally, but it was difficult moment, because I knew that this was going to divide people.
“Seeing Albelda on the bench is not something I would have liked and I did not want this. I could not see him as a permanent fixture and I giving Albelda a secondary role is not easy.
“It has not been easy, but I believe that it is best for Valencia.
“Albelda is proud, he has won things and he is not the type to ask for explanations. He is a great professional who has always accepted every decision.”
