Silva had been linked with a big-money move away from Valencia this summer but the 22-year-old Spain international on Wednesday committed himself to the Primera Liga club by agreeing new terms to his existing contract, which runs until 2013.

"I'm very happy here. The people treat me very well. My first option was to continue with Valencia," said Silva on Thursday.

He added: "For me family comes first. They have always helped me with everything. It is important that they are very well, like me."

Silva, who moved to the Mestalla from Celta Vigo in 2006, is now be hoping for better times ahead for Valencia following a tough campaign last season.

Despite winning the Copa del Rey, Valencia lurched from one problem to another over the last 12 months and ended up being sucked into the relegation battle by the end of the season.

Valencia now have a new coach in Unai Emery and although they have been relatively quiet on the transfer front, Silva sees better times ahead for the fallen Spanish giants.

"We have a good team, there are not many signings this year but we hope to recover players for the squad because last season was difficult. We are in the UEFA Cup, we are thinking of the league and we hope to have some very good times," he added on his club's website.

"The situation here is calmer now and this is important for me."