Tuesday 27 December 2016 08:05, UK
David Albelda has reached an agreement with Valencia to sign for another season and revealed that staying at the club was always his first choice.
David Albelda has reached an agreement with Valencia to sign for another season and revealed that staying at the club was always his first choice.
The 34 year-old's current deal was due to run out at the end of the season, but he has now agreed fresh terms with Los Che and will officially stay until June 2013.
The long-serving midfielder admits he has never considered leaving La Mestalla and is happy to prolong his stay at the club.
"My first option was always to stay here," Albelda explained after the agreement became official.
"We never thought about me moving and wanted wait to see what decision Valencia would take and I think it was the best think to remain.
"If I had not had this choice then I would have looked for other things."
Albelda joined Valencia in 1995 and was instrumental in the club's best years as he helped them to win the league title twice, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA and Spanish Super Cups and the Copa del Rey.
In 2008 the gritty midfielder looked set to leave when he was left out of the squad by Ronald Koeman and sought legal advice in a bid to force his way out.
After Koeman left as head coach Albelda's relations began to thaw and he was offered the chance to stay by Unai Emery and has regained the affection of the fans.
