Duro: “The game against Sevilla FC has to serve as an example”

Hugo Duro is enjoying a great run of form and is full of confidence. Talking to VCF Media, the Valencia CF striker reviewed his strong individual performances, which have given him an enviable record.

A positive dynamic

After a win at a ground that's always tough to go to, it's always a much happier, more relaxed week - especially knowing the international break is coming. I'm feeling good, because that's always nice.

Becoming the Spanish striker with the most top flight goals in the last three seasons

I get a bit of a buzz from it. I saw the statistic after the game, and it really surprised me, because I didn't think I could have more goals than the other players I've overtaken. It's a statistic that fills me with joy, a testament to the work done over these past years by me, my teammates and everyone else, because ultimately I'm a very hard-working player, but I also rely heavily on my teammates. I'm not a player who can reach those numbers on my own. I know it has great value for me, with the help of my teammates, and hopefully I'll keep improving and the numbers keep coming.

Decisivo en el área

Where I perform best is near the penalty area. The fewer touches I have, the better. I think I move very well off the ball too, so I think that dribbling, ball control, and final passes are roles that should be filled by others who have much more ability than me. That's why whenever the ball is near the box, I try to be more focused, to look for the opening.

His most special goals

The most special goal was against Levante, since I'd been out of action for several games. It was a great match, obviously -a derby-, but I prefer the goals I score when I'm not playing and I come onto the pitch as a sub, because that's what ultimately makes me feel valued. The Alavés game, for example, I think taking a penalty that late was something I'd never experienced before. I took on the responsibility, and that felt special too.

The competition for places

I've had spells where I've played, spells where Lucas has played, spells where Sadiq has played. I try to make the most of the minutes I get, I try to score as many goals as possible, and obviously I'm happy -but I want more. I have 13 goals as a marker to surpass, I know there are nine games left, and I think if the team are playing well and I'm playing well, I can surpass that. That has to be my personal goal.

Getting good results

The important thing is that when your turn comes, you help the team. That's also achieved by working hard every day here. We also had a really tough week with what happened in Oviedo. I think it's also a sign of the team's maturity. The players are happy and relaxed. Now it's time to rest up for one last push, with two months to go. I think we can achieve great things, and the first step is playing against Celta, in a difficult game. The Sevilla game has to be an example we follow, both offensively and defensively, and in terms of effort. The team have been fantastic. It has to be something for us to look at, showing us that if we continue at this level, the team will move up the table.

The atmosphere in the dressing room

The group is great; I get along well with everyone. I go on holiday with several members of the team, and I've become like one of the locals, between my wife being from here and my teammates. I'm very happy here, and I think it shows every time I step onto the pitch.

His connection with Valencia and Mestalla

Hearing every applause I get, every time the fans call my name, my chest swells with joy. It might seem normal, but I never get used to it. I can't get used to the affection shown to me at a stadium like Mestalla.

I never imagined I'd spend so much time at such a big club. Just coming here on loan for a year was a dream come true. Imagine being here for five years. The bottom line is that I have been, and surely will continue to be, the happiest person here. I enjoy it like no one else. I enjoy the city, the people, the football, Mestalla. Seeing the happiness in myself, but also in my partner and my family, is priceless.