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Barcelona target Jordi Alba: I want to stay at Valencia
The Spain international has been linked with a move to the European champions, but has admitted that he has spoken to his agent and wants to remain at Unai Emery's side
18-Jan-2012 4:05:00 PM
By Gareth McKnight
Jordi Alba - Valencia
Jordi Alba has stated that despite speculation linking him with a transfer to Barcelona, he is happy at Valencia.
The versatile player has impressed at Mestalla over the last 12 months, and after breaking into the Spanish national side has emerged as a potential target for Pep Guardiola's men.
Despite this, the 22-year-old has reaffirmed his commitment to Unai Emery's team.
"I've always said I'm very happy here; my intention is to continue here for many years and I have never went against that statement," he told AS.
"Personally, no one has told me anything about the rumours, nor do I ask if they're true or not. I honestly do not know anything and I do not care about those things.
"Barca are linked with a lot of players, but we do not know if it's true or not. There have been no firm proposals and I do not want to get any.
"Of course it is a compliment to any player that a club the size of Barcelona is interested, but I am thinking of Valencia and nothing else," he continued.
Alba's current contract expires in the summer of 2013, and the Spanish international has admitted that his agent is locked in negotiations with the Mestalla club over an extension.
"I owe a lot to Valencia and it is clear that I have to be respectful. I have never said anything against the club, I feel very good here and if Barca were to make a bid now it would be foolish.
"My representatives are already in talks with Valencia and now what remains is that both parties need to agree.
"I do not know the timescales, but it's true we have met with the club. I do not know when or if an agreement will be reached.
"I do not know how advanced it is. I have made it known to my representatives that I want them to reach an agreement. Now it is they who must come to an agreement with the club," he concluded.
Alba has been a first-team regular for Valencia this season, making 21 appearances in all competitions.
The versatile player has impressed at Mestalla over the last 12 months, and after breaking into the Spanish national side has emerged as a potential target for Pep Guardiola's men.
Despite this, the 22-year-old has reaffirmed his commitment to Unai Emery's team.
"I've always said I'm very happy here; my intention is to continue here for many years and I have never went against that statement," he told AS.
"Personally, no one has told me anything about the rumours, nor do I ask if they're true or not. I honestly do not know anything and I do not care about those things.
"Barca are linked with a lot of players, but we do not know if it's true or not. There have been no firm proposals and I do not want to get any.
"Of course it is a compliment to any player that a club the size of Barcelona is interested, but I am thinking of Valencia and nothing else," he continued.
Alba's current contract expires in the summer of 2013, and the Spanish international has admitted that his agent is locked in negotiations with the Mestalla club over an extension.
"I owe a lot to Valencia and it is clear that I have to be respectful. I have never said anything against the club, I feel very good here and if Barca were to make a bid now it would be foolish.
"My representatives are already in talks with Valencia and now what remains is that both parties need to agree.
"I do not know the timescales, but it's true we have met with the club. I do not know when or if an agreement will be reached.
"I do not know how advanced it is. I have made it known to my representatives that I want them to reach an agreement. Now it is they who must come to an agreement with the club," he concluded.
Alba has been a first-team regular for Valencia this season, making 21 appearances in all competitions.
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