VALENCIA striker David Villa has scotched rumours he is set for a big-money transfer, insisting he wants to stay at the Mestalla for "many years" to come.
Villa was already one of football's hottest properties before Euro 2008, recording 18 goals in the Primera Liga last season in an otherwise forgettable campaign for Los Che.
And a stunning tournament in Austria and Switzerland, which saw him collect the Golden Boot and help fire Spain to the title, has increased interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Internazionale.
Valencia have slapped a 40million euro price tag on his head, but the 26-year-old insists he is going nowhere.
"I am happy here and I hope to continue for many years," Villa told Spanish sports daily AS. "I hope I can continue for many years, including more than I have signed for.
"I have always felt the love of the fans and it is something that fills me with pride.
"I'm under contract and I'm very happy at Valencia."
Villa's international team-mate David Silva has also attracted the interest of a host of clubs.
But the 22-year-old also claims he is happy to remain at the Mestalla.
"I am happy at Valencia," said Silva. "I'm under contract and at the moment I'm only thinking about going to relax myself and enjoy this great achievement."
Reports had suggested that cash-strapped Valencia would be open to offers for their Spain stars.
But Los Che president Agustin Morera has warned off any club considering a raid on the Mestalla.
"If we had wanted to transfer them (Villa and Silva) like other players it wasn't that it didn't happen because of a lack of offers," he said.
"Last year was the same as now, we have offers on the table for them.
"But our interest is that they stay, that is our hope as well as to have a very great team."
And a stunning tournament in Austria and Switzerland, which saw him collect the Golden Boot and help fire Spain to the title, has increased interest from clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and Internazionale.
Valencia have slapped a 40million euro price tag on his head, but the 26-year-old insists he is going nowhere.
"I am happy here and I hope to continue for many years," Villa told Spanish sports daily AS. "I hope I can continue for many years, including more than I have signed for.
"I have always felt the love of the fans and it is something that fills me with pride.
"I'm under contract and I'm very happy at Valencia."
Villa's international team-mate David Silva has also attracted the interest of a host of clubs.
But the 22-year-old also claims he is happy to remain at the Mestalla.
"I am happy at Valencia," said Silva. "I'm under contract and at the moment I'm only thinking about going to relax myself and enjoy this great achievement."
Reports had suggested that cash-strapped Valencia would be open to offers for their Spain stars.
But Los Che president Agustin Morera has warned off any club considering a raid on the Mestalla.
"If we had wanted to transfer them (Villa and Silva) like other players it wasn't that it didn't happen because of a lack of offers," he said.
"Last year was the same as now, we have offers on the table for them.
"But our interest is that they stay, that is our hope as well as to have a very great team."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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