Roque Santa Cruz has reflected on his motivations for signing on permanently at Malaga this summer and the club’s ambitions for next year.
After a year on loan with the Costa del Sol outfit last season, the Paraguayan international committed himself at La Rosaleda this summer with a three-year contract..
Despite links with a number of other clubs at the expiry of his deal with Manchester City, the 31-year-old has reflected that money was not the motivation in determining his future.
“The idea was to stay and despite the problems that the club were in, I am grateful for the effort they have made to give me everything,” Santa Cruz reflected in conversation with AS.
“Is quality of life more important than money? Totally! And especially when the whole family has had 14 years in Europe, it is the time now to settle in one place and we have had a couple of relaxed years here.
“Being able to stay and enjoy the goodness of life that Malaga offers is a blessing.
“Do I have an option to extend the contract further? No! Three years is enough. We will go year by year. I am committed to an age where I can continue to help the team.
“I am very happy with my decision and now we have to work hard as our goal is to return to Europe. If the project has changed at the club then it is in the financial aspect more than anything else. In dreams and ambitions we remain the same. The slogan is to aim high.”
