Anil Murthy: "Maxi Gómez was our first choice, and made an intelligent decision coming here"

In Valencia after cutting short his post-Copa America holidays, Maxi Gómez was given his official welcome to Mestalla on Wednesday evening. The Uruguayan, who joins the club on a deal set to run through to June 30th, 2024, was always the first choice to strengthen the strikeforce for Valencia CF, according to president Anil Murthy.

“We are very happy to be incorporating a young striker with a hunger to continue growing at a Champions League club," said Murthy at the official presentation.

"The negotiations weren't easy. We have to be aware that we are competing with clubs who are far more powerful financially than us, but right now Valencia CF are a club with a very attractive project, competing with the best. That is the reason why Maxi is here today. He has always been our first choice to boost our forward line, and -just like the team do on the pitch under Marcelino- in the club offices we fight to the end to achieve our objectives."

He praised Gómez' willingness to make the move to VCF, and believes that the choice will prove to be an astute one.

"Maxi has made an intelligent decision. In football there are many examples of players prioritising money over the sporting project, preferring to earn more money playing for less competitive teams, but they end up taking two steps back in their careers."

"That isn't the case with Maxi. He has chosen to join a Valencia CF side who are going to compete in four competitions, against the best sides in Europe, at an incredible stadium like Mestalla, in front of a unique fanbase and become part of a trophy-winning side."

"Good luck Maxi. Today we are celebrating you being here with us, and soon we will also be celebrating your goals."