Valdez: I gave my word to stay at Valencia

Valenciastriker Nelson Valdez says he wants to stay at the club despite only being at the Spanish outfit on a temporary basis.

The forward joined Los Cheon loan this season from Russian side Rubin Kazan and has stated he wishes to continue next term at the Mestalla but the decision lies with the club's sporting director.

I have the desire to continue here but we must talk about it and there are topics that we must speak with Braulio Vazquez about, he told reporters.

Valdez netted three goals in 20 appearances for Rubin but is enjoying a return to Spanish football having found himself more involved in the first team.

On my part there is no problem. I have already given my word to stay and the rest Braulio should sort it with my representatives, said Valdez.

The attacker is confident Valencia's indifferent start to the season will not prevent them from reaching their target of European football next term.

He added: "We are better than many teams but we have to prove it on the field and not on paper. We have to correct the mistakes of the first round and reach the Champions League."

Los Che have an option to purchase the Paraguay international when his loan spell runs out in the summer.

Via: Valdez: I gave my word to stay at Valencia

Modric: I have something to offer Real Madrid

Luka Modric has promised to win over Jose Mourinho in the second half of the season as Real Madrid attempt to claw back some ground on the runaway Liga leaders Barcelona.

The former Tottenham playmaker, pivotal at White Hart Lane, has often underwhelmed since swapping England for Spain last August.

Although the 27-year-old has started just eight league games and registered a solitary goal since completing his 37 million transfer, Modric insists he has a contribution to make to the team, despite being voted the worst signing of the season in Spain in a poll conducted by Marca.

"I have had a few good performances, if not in every game, but I believe I can prove I have something to offer," Modric told Sportske.

The diminutive midfielder has been kept out of the side by the likes of Xabi Alonso along with German pair Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira.

The trio were central to Madrid's title win last season, but Modric has played down notions that he has been overawed by the challenge of breaking into such an established set-up.

"It is very challenging to adapt to life at a big club like Madrid, but I'm not the kind of person to make excuses," Modric said.

"This is Real Madrid and I understand there is great pressure for new signings to succeed here."


Via: Modric: I have something to offer Real Madrid

Celta Vigo secure Vadim Demidov on loan

Celta Vigo has acquired the services of EintrachtFrankfurt defender Vadim Demidov until the end of the current campaign.

The Norway international will make his return to Spain with the Galician club, just five months after leaving Real Sociedad for the Bundesliga.

And Demidov already intends on staying long enough to make a good impression.

Hopefully I can stay beyond June 30 and do everything I can to help the team. At a good club like this, players need competition. If there wasnt any, this would not be a great club, he told the club's official website.

The 26-year-old made the switch to German side Frankfurt in 2012, however, he failed to make much of an impact on the first team, making just five appearances for the club.

The centre-back will be hoping for a change in fortune whilst on loan to help his new side climb up the Liga standings.

He added: Im very happy because Ive come to an historic club."

Celta currently sit just above the relegation zone in 17th place and face Valladolid on January 6.

Via: Celta Vigo secure Vadim Demidov on loan

Arda Turan is going nowhere, says Simeone

Atletico Madrid coachDiego Simeone believes that Turkey midfielderArda Turanwill not be leaving the club in the near future as he has not heard of anything to make him think otherwise.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Simeone remained convinced that the 25-year-old would stay at Vicente Calderon despite rumours of a possible departure for the Turk.

First, I have not heard anything and I have seen it a lot. Everyone can comment on whatever you want," Simeone told reporters.

"The important thing is what he shows on the field. Arda is one of the best players. He shows heart in every one of our matches.

"He has a contract with our club and he shows everyone what he has to offer."

Arda moved to the Spanish side from Turkish giants Galatasaray in 2011. And, after aiding the club to Europa League success in the last campaign, the midfielder has now helped Atletico to second place in La Liga with four goals in 16 appearances this term.

With the January transfer window now open, there are possibilities for the club to sign new players, but talks of bringing in fresh faces in the winter window have not yet started according to the Argentine trainer.

Simeone added: I have not talked to [director of football] Jose Luis [Caminero] and the people of the club. During the coming days we'll get together and see if it is necessary or not."

With talk of winning the title circulating, the coach has remained calm and does not want to get ahead of himself.

He said: We're talking about six months from now and the reality is today. The reality is going to be what we can do. We should not move away from the line we have marked for ourselves this year."

Via: Arda Turan is going nowhere, says Simeone

Feghouli keen to complete Valencia contract talks before AFCON commences

Sofiane Feghouli is keen to conclude contract talks with Valencia ahead of the upcoming African Cup if Nations.

The winger has been linked with a host of clubs including Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, but he and the Catalan club are still holding negotiations over a deal which would see him remain at the Mestalla until 2016.

The 23-year-old has been forced to delay meeting up with his Algeria team-mates ahead of the continental tournament being held in South Africa, and he excused being late to arrive as a necessity to secure his long-term future.

"I am in a dilemma," Feghouli expressed to reporters in Algeria. "I have not extended my contract with Valencia and if I go before [it's done] then I'd run the risk of reaching South Africa feeling psychologically bad about leaving my future in the air."

The winger added: "My desire is to join the team a few days late, but at my physical and psychological peak, which means I will be able to give everything for my country as I have done every time I have played.

"I'm looking forward to playing in the African Cup of Nations."

Via: Feghouli keen to complete Valencia contract talks before AFCON commences

Boca Juniors reveal Gago bid

Boca Juniors general secretary Cesar Martucci has admitted the club have made a bid for Fernando Gago.

The defensive midfielder moved to Valencia in July 2012, having become surplus to requirements at Real Madrid.

But the Boca chief confirmed to Radio 9 that the Argentinian club are set to test the resolve of the Liga outfit having made a formal offer early in the January transfer window.

"We made a proposal to Fernando that we have not had answered yet," Martucci said.

"Gago expressed his willingness to return and now we must pass this [to the] leaders of Valencia."

The Argentina international made 69 appearances for Boca from 2004-07 before he moved to Santiago Bernabeu for an estimated 20 million fee.

The Blancos eventually sold Gago to the Mestalla last summer for 3.5m, five years after his arrival and having seen Roma - where he spent the 2011-12 campaign on loan - pass up on the option to buy him.

Via: Boca Juniors reveal Gago bid

Cerezo: Atletico must end Real Madrid and Barcelona dominance

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo believes it is vital that his team breaks the Liga duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Valencia are the only side to have won the title outside of Spain's biggest two clubs since 2004, but with Atletico currently placed second in the table, there is a belief around Vicente Calderon that they can mount a genuine challenge for domestic glory this season.

And Cerezo feels it is crucial for both the club and supporters of the game that his side keep pace with current leaders Barcelona and break the trend in the league.

"It is not only important for Atletico, but for football fans in general," he was quoted as saying by Marca.

"La Liga was a two-horse race, but Atletico started well and has now fully cemented its place in the pack challenging for the league title. [I cannot] ask anything else from the team."

Cerezo went on to praise the work of coach Diego Simeone, who has helped transform the club into one of Europe's strongest sides since his arrival in December 2011.

"Maybe the progress made by the team in such a short period of time has been the most notable change at the club," he added.

"Simeone has given them confidence, self-belief and above all optimism and joy. When he arrived, the team lacked all of this."
Via: Cerezo: Atletico must end Real Madrid and Barcelona dominance