Arnau: "I can bring a lot to Valencia CF"

In his official presentation as a Valencia CF player, Arnau Martínez was welcomed to the club and spoke to the media. He was also sent a special message from fellow Girona alumni, Oriol Romeu.

The position of third centreback

“I feel comfortable there. I’ve played in many positions: wing-back, third centreback, full-back in a back four, centreback, and even defensive midfielder. I feel comfortable wherever on the pitch, and in any position. I try to adapt to what the team and the coach want and try to perform at the highest level.”

His arrival at Valencia CF

“It’s been a long wait, but I’m finally here. Ever since Valencia CF came up as an option, I’ve wanted to come here, and we’ve made that clear.”

His conversation with the coach

“He called me once, and from then on it was clear that I wanted to come here. He conveyed to me everything I was going to bring to the team and what he could do for me. I think I can contribute a lot to the team.”

Objectives

“It’s always about improving. I want to take another step forward and reach the highest level possible, and that’s why I’m here. I’m prepared to play in any position, and my level of performance can give the team a boost. We must face this together; if the fans and the players unite to workd towards a common goal, we can achieve it.”

Negotiations for his contract

“It’s been a long process, but I’ve always had Valencia CF in mind. I’m happy to be here and excited, knowing what it means to represent this club. I’m convinced I can play here and do great things.”

The project

“We've spoken about it. I like the club's ambition and that's why I decided to come here." 

Girona FC

“I’m a professional. I had a contract with Girona FC, and until things went through, I wasn’t thinking about another club. My intention was to come here, but until everything was finalised, I couldn’t be thinking about anything else. I’ve demonstrated the professionalism I’ve always had. Girona FC is my home, and I owe them everything.”

Mestalla

“I’m incredibly excited. I made my LaLiga debut here, and playing at home will be spectacular. We want to say goodbye to this historic stadium in the best way possible. It will be replaced by a better stadium, but Mestalla has brought so much joy to Valencia CF, and we want to say goodbye in the best way we can.”

His favourite position

"I feel most comfortable in a back five as a wing-back, as a centreback, and in a back four as a full-back, but I can adapt to any position."

How the deal came about

“From the first contact we had, I was clear that I wanted to come. We conveyed this to the club and Valencia CF also made a great effort to bring me here.”

His family

“Family has always been very important to me. They’ve been coming to games with me since I was little and have always done what they thought best, as has my partner. It’s very special for me that they’re here.”

Valencia CF's opening games of the season

"These are matches that Valencia CF were able to control more; in the one against Real Betis, they let the win slip away due to small details, but the quality of the team shows that they are capable of much more."

Sunday's game

“I’m available, I’ve trained with the group and I had preseason with Girona FC. I’m ready to play.”

Versatility

“When I was very young I played as a striker. When I arrived at FC Barcelona they put me at centreback. At FC Barcelona I combined playing at centreback and as midfielder. Michel was the one who moved me around, and with Francisco in a three-man defence I played as a left and right sided centreback. Michel played me as a wing-back and more as a full-back.”