Paulista: “I’d like to retire at Valencia CF, who give me everything every day”

Fresh from signing his new contract alongside Valencia CF president Anil Murthy at the club offices, Gabriel Paulista spoke with VCF Media on Friday to give his thoughts on the agreement which keeps him at Mestalla through to 2024. The Brazilian, who obtained Spanish nationality in December of last year, was delighted with the extension to his time in Valencia.

The new contract

“I'm very happy, and my family are also very happy that we can stay here for many more years, in an incredible city and at a wonderful club. I'm very happy about everything.”

His connection with the club

“I've identified a lot with the club, from Day 1. Right from the start, I tried to do the best I can. I adapted to the club, the fans and the city, and began to develop a love for this club. I try to improve more every day to represent this club, because it's what it deserves. I'm happy about everything the club are doing for me and for my family. I'm always going to look to do more for this club and make the fans happy. We know that the world is going through a difficult time, so I think that we footballers have to give a bit of joy to everyone.”

Wanting to stay for the long term

“I'd really like to retire here, at this club that has given me everything. I have huge respect for all of you, for the players and for the people I meet on the street. I'd like to end my playing career here, and my family definitely want to keep living here. We are going to work hard and see what the future brings. I'd like to retire here and continue making history for this club, doing the best I can.”

Overcoming adversity

“I have my difficulties and my problems, but when I'm on the pitch training and playing I try to forget about everything else. I try to focus solely on representing the club. I want to do that more every day. You know what I'm like; sometimes I ignore the medical report, like that which says I shouldn't be back yet. I felt that I had to come back and help my teammates, because they needed me. Yesterday I showed that I am able to help the team as much as possible.”

Moving into the second half of 2020/21

“Right now we are going to forget about the first half of the season, which didn't go how we wanted. We'll forget about it and start again from zero. This doesn't stop, and we're going to try to find the best results possible, and get Valencia CF to where the club deserves: The top.”