Santamaria, Ugrinic and Danjuma presented as new Valencia CF players  

Valencia CF presented today, Thursday 14 August, three of the new signings for this 2025/26 season, which kicks off this Saturday at Mestalla in the Matchday 1 fixture of LALIGA EA Sports. Baptiste Santamaria, Filip Ugrinic and Arnaut Danjuma shared with the media their happiness for this new stage as Valencia CF players.

BAPTISTE SANTAMARÍA

Could you explain your story with Valencia and that special connection?

It’s true that my great-grandmother was from Ademuz and I have this very special connection, returning to my roots.

Which teammate has surprised you the most in these first few days and what do you think you can bring to the team?

First of all, I have to say there is a very good team. I think I can bring my experience, my help to achieve the team’s objectives and, of course, enthusiasm and great desire. This is a great opportunity for me.

What do you think should be the objective for the season and what has Corberán told you?

The message is clear: we have to keep working and improving as much as possible. We’ll see how the season goes; we will take it game by game. We have a good team to achieve it.

What type of midfielder are you?

It’s difficult to talk about myself, but I am defensive, with an aggressive style and good vision of the game. I’m here to help in the defensive part.

Who called you and when to come to Valencia CF?

I go a lot by feelings, and when the coach called me, he convinced me quite quickly because we speak the same language. Then the deal was done quite fast.

How do you see the competition for your position in the team?

The welcome has been great. Competition is not bad; it makes us improve and become better every day. The final word is with the coach.

Do you see yourself playing in Europe with Valencia CF?

It would be great to relive the best moments of Valencia CF, but it’s too early to talk about Europe. In October or November we will be able to take stock.

FILIP UGRINIC

Do you have any Valencia CF idol who inspired you in the past?

I don’t know, but I really liked watching Valencia CF when David Villa and David Silva played together here. Also, I had the pleasure of meeting Ricardo Costa; he spoke to me a lot about Valencia CF and Valencia.

Which teammate has surprised you the most in these first few days and what do you think you can bring to the team?

From the match I saw against Torino FC, I was very impressed by Javi Guerra; he is very elegant. Regarding my qualities, you will write about them when you see me on the pitch. I’m here to contribute.

What do you think should be the objective for the season and what has Corberán told you?

I think it’s easy to answer this question. The way the coach conceives football is quite clear: we have to be both defensive and offensive. Everything is possible. We have to work as a team. Results can always be explained, but at the end of the day, if you look in the mirror and are satisfied with what you see and what you have done, it means you have done a good job.

What type of midfielder are you and what are your qualities in that role?

I consider myself quite a physical player; I’ve been able to play in many positions. I adapt quickly to the game. You will judge if I’m good or not.

When were you called to come to Valencia CF?

It was ten days ago. We were in contact for seven days, but it was an easy decision for me. I also spoke with Eray Cömert and with Ricardo Costa. From the first call it depended on the clubs.

What do you think about the competition for your position at Valencia CF?

Competition is the most important thing in football to grow as a team. We have to push each other to improve one another. It has to be a healthy battle.

Do you see yourself playing in Europe with Valencia CF?

Of course. All players dream of that, but we have to be realistic and we’ll see at the end of the season.

ARNAUT DANJUMA

Do you have any Valencia CF idol who inspired you in the past?

I really like Cavani, a striker I have admired a lot. I have learned from him and I have seen great players throughout the history of the Club.

Which teammate has surprised you the most in these first few days and what do you think you can bring to the team?

I want to thank the Club, my teammates and the fans for their trust. It is an honour to play for this great club, I want to give my best. We have a good team, with a lot of quality, with a lot of experience. This is a team that is growing, as has been seen, and it is a great opportunity for me.

What do you think should be the objective for the season and what has Corberán told you?

It’s true that the Club has suffered in recent years, but this is a big Club. I can’t promise we are going to win LALIGA, but this Club has everything to grow and improve every day. We will give everything. We will start with a strong desire to improve and we will see how we finish.

In which position would you like to play?

The important thing is not where I enjoy playing the most, but what the coach wants. Whether as a striker or winger, it doesn’t matter; anything except goalkeeper, I can play anywhere.

Who called you and when to come to Valencia CF?

It was my agents who informed me and asked me. I value it a lot because Valencia CF is a very big club. I spoke with Carlos and, after talking with him, I had no doubt that the team was going to have a great future and that I could help at the club.

Why do you celebrate goals like a cobra?

I have a childhood friend I always played with. He is very slim and we called him ‘The Cobra’. There were four or five of us who always played together and I could never beat him. We are still friends and like family. Celebrating goals like this is a way of saying that we have suffered, but we are still together.

How many goals do you want to score with Valencia CF?

As many as I can; if I tell you now, you’ll kill me later.

What would you say to those who criticise you for not being a dressing-room player?

I am very ambitious; I always want to win and that’s why I chose Valencia CF. I spoke with Carlos and he has the same idea for the Club: he wants to win and he wants to grow. I have a past in LALIGA, I have learned many things.

Have you received offers?

Yes, I have. But for me it is an honour to be here. It is a big club, it wants to grow and rise. When I was young, I grew up watching Valencia CF. When I spoke with the coach, I was sure I wanted to play here. I have played many times at Mestalla and it’s not easy. I can’t wait to start.

How do you see the competition for your position in the team? For example, with Hugo Duro.

Hugo Duro is a great player and a very good guy. He has helped me a lot and had a great year. I want to play with him, not against him. I want to learn from him.

Is returning to a team on a permanent deal an extra motivation?

It means something different for me. I have signed here for three years, I’m here for a long time. I will be able to enjoy, help the team and be well. My family is fine, with no moves and no need to adapt. I speak the language and know the country. Things off the pitch are sorted and that lets me focus on the pitch.

Do you see yourself playing in Europe with Valencia CF?

Valencia CF have already won many titles and in the future I hope they can be won again. I don’t know if it’s far or close; it is our objective, but to achieve it we have to work every day. For now, we are only focused on this season; if we improve year by year, in the end we will achieve what we want. I am very eager, that’s for sure.