José Gayà: "I want to continue growing and making dreams come true at Valencia CF"

Valencia CF have reached an agreement to extend José Luis Gayà's contract until June 30th, 2027, and an official ceremony for the occasion was held at the VIP Box at Mestalla on Wednesday. In it, the Valencia CF captain highlighted his happiness with continuing at his boyhood club.

With the chance to move to a club that offer you the chance to win more trophies, why did you commit to this project?

Always, from the beginning, I wanted to be here. Going to another club or earning more money is not important. I’m happy at Valencia CF and I believe in the project. In recent years I have been able to play in two finals and my ambition is to be able to continue at Valencia CF and work to be able to take us back to the top positions.

How many offers have been made for you to leave?

There have been offers. I won’t deny that. However, the idea in my head was always to stay here, at my club. I want to continue growing and fulfilling dreams at Valencia CF. I know I have a lot of room for improvement and I want to do that here.

Are you thinking about reaching the number of games played by Fernando or Albelda?

I don't think about that. However, now that I've played a significant number of games, I'm paying attention to those stats. I'm not obsessed, but I'll be happy if I overtake anyone for appearances.

Do you think that your renewal is also a message for other players and for the dressing room?

Of course. I've always said that there can't be a bigger club for me than Valencia CF. I will never forget the support of the fans after the defeat in the cup. Valencia CF will always be a big club and that is the message I want to convey.

What is your personal objective at Valencia CF for the next few years?

I would like to be able to lift a trophy as captain. On a collective level, we don’t have to set an overall goal, but hopefully we can play big games again.

These last few years haven't been the best, but I've been able to play in a Champions League Round of 16 and two Copa del Rey finals.

Did you have doubts that the renewal would go through? When did you see it as being done?

There was a good intention on both sides from the beginning. It has been a long process, but we knew we had to understand each other. Valencia CF knew my intentions and that made it easier.

It makes me very happy. I wanted to stay here for many years and the first thing I did was share the news with my family.

What project was presented to you to convince you?

With the arrival of the coach, who has also been very important in this, a great Valencia CF side is being built. The team play very well and are not afraid of anyone. We are a daring and motivated team. The project is there and we have to have a great year. Also, we have a lot of room for improvement. There is a lack of continuity, but we are going to improve to have a great year.

Did you look at club legends when thinking about renewing?

I always thought it was the best for me. That has been the basis of my decision without looking at what others have done.

Did you hesitate in the month of May after listening to the recordings of the previous president that were leaked?

At that time, yes, but that president is no longer here. Now there's Layhoon and things have changed. I didn't like it at the time, but now it's different. The coach also helped me to decide.

Have the fans been important in making the decision to renew?

They are always behind us, to the end. When we celebrate on the balcony of the stadium, I feel privileged. We have the best fans in the world. In these years that have not been so good, they have always been there and they deserve that we give them reason to be happy.

The fans have been important. I like to feel loved at home.

Who is on your mind right now?

The fact of being able to remember how long this road has been. There have been times in which I have sacrificed a lot, leaving my friends and family. I remember many people who have also tried to make the same journey and have not made it. I’m very proud of what I have achieved.

My best moment at the club is the victory in the Copa del Rey, and the worst I would say was losing the final last season -but that moment also filled me with pride.

A message to the VCF Academy

It is not easy to get where I am. Since Alevín level, many teammates have fallen by the wayside. I have had the great fortune to have the club trust me and to do well at that time.

I recommend that they be prepared, that they enjoy themselves and that they don't get overwhelmed. Football is there to be enjoyed.

What does a renewal mean for a Valencianista like you?

It’s very important to continue playing more games and making moments alongside the club. I try to go out on the pitch, enjoy myself and have a great year.

Do you see yourself on a canvas at the Nuevo Mestalla?

That isn’t a question for me. I’m very excited to be able to share these moments with the great club legends who are always by my side. Fernando signed his shirt for me when we recorded the video for the renewal.

How do you imagine Valencia CF will be in 2027?

I don't like to think about the future, because you can't control it. I like to look at the present. I am thinking about having a great season.

My dream is to fight for big honours again, and that is why I have renewed my contract. I think we're going to do that in these coming years.

Will we see a renewal again in 2027 to be a 'One club man'?

Of course, I would be excited to play 1,000 more games, but my mind is not thinking at that moment. I also have to earn that renewal and I will do my best for that.

Do you think it is important to have players with the roots that you and Guillamón have?

For me, the renewal of Hugo Guillamón is also very important. He is a homegrown player and a great teammate. He always contributes and I am happy about his renewal, to be able to continue making moments together. Hopefully we can continue alongside one another.

Are you motivated to represent Valencia CF at the World Cup?

Whenever I go away with the national team I try to represent Spain and I think it's the best a player can aspire to do. The squad list hasn't come out yet, but I'm going to give it my all at Valencia CF to be able to be there.

What role has Gattuso played in your renewal?

The coach had a very important role in this. From the first moment he has supported me in everything.

Have you spoken with Gattuso after your renewal was made official?

He has congratulated me. He is happy that I am staying at the club and I am happy to continue.