Girona Coach Eusebio Sacristan admitted forward Portu was ‘very close to leaving the club’ amid interest from Sevilla and Real Sociedad.
The 26-year-old netted 11 times in 37 appearances for the Catalan club last year and was instrumental in their fine campaign.
The Valencia youth graduate joined Girona in 2016 and played a key role in their promotion campaign in 2017 before starring in La Liga.
“We came very close to Portu leaving the club,” Eusebio is cited as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.
“It is good for us that he stays, he is a very important player and brings a lot of quality on the pitch, but his spirit is also very important in the dressing room.
“It is great news that we have a player of his quality and just like anyone else, we would have been well compensated for any departure.
“He will help us reach our goal this season.”
