Espanyol vice-captain Joan Verdu wants to stay at the club 'for a long time', despite contract negotiations breaking down over the summer.
The 29-year-old, who has played over 100 games for the Periquitos, has just under a year left on his current deal.
“My intention is to stay for a long time,” the midfielder told Mundo Deportivo.
“For whatever reason, this summer we have not been able to reach an agreement, but I have a year left, and we will speak soon.
“I will continue to play as before. It does not affect me. I will be quiet and focus on playing football.”
Verdu also discussed Espanyol's objectives for the 2012/13 season.
“A club like us, with the staff we have, should not be talking about fighting to avoid relegation. That is nothing to aspire to.
“What we have to do is get to forty points to ensure we stay up, and then see where we go from there. If we get into a European competition, brilliant.”
Espanyol haven't participated in Europe since they lost the 2006-07 UEFA Cup Final to Sevilla.
