Upon his contract renewal through to June 2024 being made official, Valencia CF goalkeeper Cristian Rivero spoke to VCF Media at the club offices to talk about his hopes and expectations for the future.

Renewing his contract

“I'm very happy about my renewal. I've spent 13 years at Valencia CF already, and to continue to form part of the first team and the club is a source of pride for me.

The support that I've always received from Valencia CF and the people who work here, and the trust that they have shown in me, has been one of the reasons why I renewed.”

Aiming to break into the first team

“When I came here, my objective was to get into the first team, because I watched them play on television. It's what I wanted to be. It seemed like a distant goal, but at the same time it was closer because I was part of Valencia CF.

I've had to wait for a long time, and I've had to go through many things to get here, but I'm very happy.”

The past year

“This year has been tough, both in terms of the team and on an individual level. I had a difficult role, but gradually I've felt like more of a participant in what the team do. Whenever I train, I try to improve in order to be as prepared as possible for when my opportunity comes.”

Debuting for the senior side

I'd been waiting for my debut for a long time. I really wanted to play and form part of the team, trying to help them. I'm very happy about it and it was a dream come true.

When you're actually playing, you put everything else to one side. But when you take a step back at the end of the game and look at it, and see how happy your family are, that makes you look back and say "I worked really hard to get here, and I have to fight to the end to try to be Valencia CF's first choice goalkeeper."

2021/22 and new players coming through

“We're starting from scratch. It's a new season, and I'm very excited and motivated about achieving my targets. I always give 100%.

I've come up through the VCF Academy, and I know that when young players come through they can be a little more nervous. We're here to help them, and to ensure that they perform at their best. If they have been called up, then it's because they have the quality to be there.

We're starting out with a lot of motivation, and we are going to do everything possible to put Valencia CF back where the club belongs.”