Gaya opens lid on ‘suffering’

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.”

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