Agirrezabala: “I always knew Valencia CF was the club where I was meant to be” 

Valencia CF’s new goalkeeper, Julen Agirrezabala, spoke to the press on Tuesday following his signing with the club. The event was made even more special by the presence of Valencia CF legend José Manuel Sempere and a message from another club icon, Gaizka Mendieta.

Contract

“I’m focused only on this year. What I can control is giving my best performance and helping the team. Those matters are handled by the clubs. I’m very excited about this season, about being here and giving everything I can to Valencia CF. I’ll do everything possible to represent Valencia CF in the best way and help the team however I can.”

Initial conversations

“The first talks were handled by my agents, and once I was able to speak with Corberán, people from the Club, and also with Marcos Abad, they conveyed a lot of trust and showed a real desire to build on the second half of last season, to do things right, to improve… this is the best place for individual growth as well. I’m very grateful for their trust, and I had no doubt this was the right place to continue growing.”

Playing at Mestalla as a rival

“Both times I’ve been there, from the moment you arrive, you sense the magnitude of the Club, the entire fan base… and once inside, you experience an elite football atmosphere, the kind you only see in a few stadiums, and I’m very eager to live it now as a home player.”

Club's goal

“A historic club like Valencia CF, with all its legacy, has the squad to be at the top of the table. LaLiga is very competitive, and you fight for every game. This is an exciting season. There’s a team capable of doing great things. Taking it game by game, earning three points—that’s the path to reaching the top. We’re entering the preseason with a lot of excitement. First, we aim to implement the coaching staff’s ideas on the pitch, adapt as best as possible, and why not believe this can be a great year?”

Pressure

“Mamardashvili is a top-class keeper and has given so much to Valencia CF. I don’t feel any pressure about that. Mamardashvili is Mamardashvili, and Julen is Julen. From the first moment I spoke with Corberán, Marcos, and the Club, they emphasized daily improvement—that’s crucial for a young goalkeeper. I trust that’s the path to delivering my best and contributing as much as I can.”

Transfer window

“This is football—every transfer window brings exits and arrivals. We trust that by the start of LaLiga, we’ll have the best possible squad. In these first training sessions, I’ve seen a very complete and united group, with high-quality players. This team is capable of achieving something special.”

Bond with fellow goalkeepers

“We’ve already had several training sessions together. With Dimitrievski, Rivero, Vicent Abril, Raúl Jiménez, and Nil Ruiz—it’s a very healthy competition. The relationship has been great from the beginning. We’re all working to help the team and the Club. That competition helps us become better goalkeepers.”

Hugo Guillamón

“I knew him from the U-21 team. All the feedback he gave me has been excellent, about both the Club and the city, as well as the team. I’ve always known this was the place where I was meant to be.”