Parejo: "We have another test against tough opposition in a 180 minute tie"

Valencia CF captain Dani Parejo spoke at the San Siro on Tuesday night, in the pre-match press conference ahead of the club's meeting with Atalanta BC.

Injury absences

"Not just for this game, but for a long part of the season we've had important players out. We're in the Last 16 of the Champions League, and in LaLiga we are fighting to finish in the Top 4 for the third consecutive year. That's despite the absences, and we have shown that we don't win games by ourselves as individuals but rather as a team. We think as a team and as individuals we perform well for the good of the collective."

Valencia CF's lack of wins at San Siro

"It shows the difficulty of playing at grounds like this, against great opposition and in the greatest club competition. Valencia CF hadn't won at Stamford Bridge before this year, or away to Ajax, and we have had good games in Europe and Spain. We have another test against tough opposition in a 180 minute tie."

The team's maturity

"I perceive a maturity that helps us. When you are more used to these types of games, obviously it's not like the first or second time you play them. Last year we reached the semifinals of the Europa League and we won the Copa del Rey, so these types of games aren't new to us."

Being drawn against Atalanta BC

"It's clear that Atalanta, as a side who finished second in their group, and with other teams like Manchester City, PSG, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich in the draw... they would have signed up to play Valencia CF, but games have to be played. We know the importance of this game, and we've come here to try to win."

Accepting a first leg draw

"We are coming to a difficult ground against opponents who do things very well in Serie A and the Champions League. When you're fourth in the Italian league it's no coincidence. They've scored 63 goals and are doing well. They are going to be difficult opponents and we have players out, but ever since I got here Valencia CF have instilled in me that we always have to go out there to win."

Going into the club's Top 10 for appearances

"It's a special game because it's the Last 16 of the Champions League. I played in the previous one against PSG and if I play then I will go into the Top 10 appearance list for Valencia CF, which I never would have imagined. It's a source of pride and something incredible, and I hope that I can play many more games. I have always given my all on the pitch, and I will continue to do that; last year I won my first trophy and I hope to win more."