Valencia left-back Jose Luis Gaya has spoken candidly about the ordeal he and his family endured during recent contract talks.
The 20-year-old ended months-long speculation about his future at Los Che by signing a new, five-year deal with the club in May, and he admits the drawn-out nature of negotiations caused great strain on his personal life.
“The truth is that I’ve been through a lot,” he told AS.
“I didn’t expect to [make the Spain squad] this year. I have great confidence in myself, but everything happened quickly and now I’m in the team.
“Never [would I wish an injury on fellow left-backs Jordi Alba or Juan Bernat]… maybe a cold!
“Seriously, though, I know my place [in the squad] and must keep working as hard as I can to improve.
“[On his protracted contract talks], my family suffered even more than I did. They didn’t take [the speculation] well, especially the things that weren’t true.
“They listened [to what was being said in the Press] and were worried. I had to return home to explain the truth about everything to them, and it calmed them down.
“[My muscle workouts] demanded a lot of me last pre-season, but it’s been very good for me.
“I want to continue improving. The work I’m doing on my legs and upper body helps me to grow.”