A tearful Jorge Mere confirms he could join Malaga after announcing his decision to leave Sporting Gijon, but the defender will not rule out a move abroad.
Speaking at an emotional Press conference on Sunday, Mere suggested he would have stayed at Sporting had they avoided relegation last season but assured he would return to his hometown club one day.
“It’s hard for me not to say goodbye to my teammates,” began the Spain Under-21 defender.
“I want to embrace them, that’s what I feel right now. I sit here today because the fans deserve it.
“I hope I can return one day and return all the enthusiasm that the fans showed me.
“You never know what can happen in the future, but my home is here and I was always happy here. I hope the fans understand my decision.
“It’s not a final goodbye. I’m still not clear on my destiny, nor the conditions of it, but I’m not thinking about the long term.
“There are several options, it can be one or another. I’ll make a decision today. Malaga are there, as are other clubs.
“It’s clear that Spain is a nice place to play, but so is going abroad and trying out another country. I’m nervous about it, but I have to make a decision.
“I’ve been thinking for 20 days and I haven’t gone a day not thinking about it. My head is all over the place and I don’t know what decision to make or what to do.
“The club received a few offers, but they were rejected and I respect that. That’s why I say that I don’t know the conditions on which I’ll leave.
“I made this decision a few days ago. I’d rather not go through it. Gijon’s where I’m comfortable.
“It’s been very hard for me and you never know if you’re going to get it right.
“I killed myself for Sporting’s badge. It’s my character, my way of working. And I know to whom I must be grateful.
“Sometimes you have to make these decisions, even if they’re difficult. It’s what it is.
“I’ve not been bothered by anything that’s been published. It’s natural.
“Everything that’s been said about me, whether good or bad, has been said with good intentions. I don’t have to criticise anyone for anything.
“I’ll miss everything that Sporting are about. The easy thing for me would’ve been to say that I was leaving without showing my face.
“But that wouldn’t have been fair, it’s not what the Sporting fans deserve.
“The most important thing at the moment is to agree [my departure] with the club, to leave once both parties are in agreement.”
