Interviews
THU 25.12.2014
After announcing his arrival in the closing moments of the summer transfer window, the Valencia fans welcomed him in numbers: 15,000 going to his unveiling at the Mestalla. Álvaro Negredo Sánchez (Vallecas, 1985) has returned to Liga BBVA with one thought and one thought only: "Get Valencia back to where they belong".
LFP.es: How have your first few months at Valencia been?
Negredo: When I came it was difficult because I was still injured. They've been months full of hard work, a lot of training, with double sessions. After my rehab I'm much better and this is very important, both personally and professionally.
LFP.es: What does it mean to be back in Liga BBVA?
Negredo: It was something I wanted. My time in the Premier League was great but I really wanted to come back.
LFP.es: And why Valencia?
Negredo: For the excitement. The planned project that they explained to me was something sensational. It is not going back to the start, but it is to fight to get Valencia back to where they should be; they are a big club and they should always be in Europe.
LFP.es: You were a late arrival on deadline day. How were those final few hours for you?
Negredo: It was down to the wire. I remember that my representatives were there and the fax finally came through three or four seconds before the window closed. At these times you're nervous because you don’t know if you’ll get it done in time or not.
"Alcácer is a goalscorer; Rodrigo is a quality player with a terrific left foot"
LFP.es: What do you make of the fact that the club announced your
arrival as a 'bomba'?
Negredo: I don't dislike it, but it’s an anecdotal nickname. I've come here to give my all and be one of the group.
LFP.es: 15,000 people turned up for your unveiling. What did that welcome mean to you?
Negredo: This gives you confidence. You have to remember I came injured and the recovery period was a long one, but to get that kind of backing from the fans is incredible. I have to thank them and now it's up to me to give my all on the pitch and pay them back.
LFP.es: You play alongside two players with a big future in Paco Alcácer and Rodrigo Moreno. What stands out with each of them?
Negredo: Paco Alcácer scores goals. He's always in the right place and he has all the ingredients to be a centre forward. Rodrigo plays wider, but he has the quality to also play inside, and has an incredible left foot. Hopefully between all of us we can bring a lot of success to Valencia.
LFP.es: What advice would you give them?
Negredo: I'm not one who is always giving advice, but I try to be there for them and help spur them on. I'm older than them and I know how things can be. They, despite their young ages, are also mature and that's something that will see them in good stead for the future.
LFP.es: How's the dressing room at Valencia?
Negredo: It's young and full of hope. Everyone really buys into what we need to do, because despite being young there's a lot of maturity. We're a great group and between all of us we will take Valencia back to the Champions League.
LFP.es: How has the club changed since the arrival of Peter Lim?
Negredo: His arrival has given both the players and fans a sense of tranquillity.
LFP.es: This season we have seen two different versions of Valencia. One from the Atlético game and another from the Deportivo and Levante matches. What's the real Valencia like?
Negredo: For how the side wants to play and what we want to do, the more apt Valencia is that of the Atlético match. But it's inevitable that in a season you have good and bad games. We have to work hard to make sure we are always at our best.
"To know where one comes from is important to appreciate what one has"
LFP.es: You were out of action for almost 90 days. How is it for a footballer to be away from the pitch for so long?
Negredo: I've not really had any major injuries throughout my career, and so when something happens it affects you, especially at the start. I then worked hard in rehab and it coincided with my signing for Valencia. Here they've been great with me since I arrived, and it made my recovery a lot easier.
Lfp.es: Also, you hadn’t scored since January. Were you anxious?,
Negredo: More than anxiety it is desperation. You need to get back on the pitch and score goals; that’s the kind of forward I am. I've got back to scoring, and although we couldn't win the game, I was really relieved to do so. Hopefully I can carry on that way.
Lfp.es: You're for a humble family, how has that influenced you?
Negredo: To know where I come from and for how much my family has had to work for me to get to where I am, is fundamental. To know this is important as you can appreciate what you have.
Lfp.es: Is the goal for the New Year to get back into the Spain squad?
Negredo: It's a long-term dream and hopefully it comes true. I feel good and hopefully I can improve everyday and bring more things to my game. The boss will then hopefully see this and call me up.
Lfp.es: And what better company to try to do so than with Alcácer and Rodrigo.
Negredo: We're all headed in the same direction, and hopefully we can do things well and we can all get into the national team. This would be a good sign for Valencia.
© LALIGA - 2014