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Ayala and Valencia in contract deadlock
Tuesday 9th April 2002
Argentina defender Roberto Ayala has admitted he may be forced to leave Valencia at the end of the season after contract talks broke down over his salary demands.
"The board have already told me they wouldn't mind selling me if they reach a satisfactory agreement with another club and I agreed with them," he explained.
However, the 29-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign, is desperate to stay with the title-chasing Ches, who lie second in La Liga behind Real Madrid.
"I've said several times I intend to stay here as I feel comfortable. When you reach a certain age, money is not a big deal. My wife and children are settled and that is an extremely important factor."
Ayala revealed he has developed a bond with the Valencia faithful and will always be indebted to them.
"I already knew how competitive the club was when I arrived but the fans have given me their love and support from the start. They didn't know me to start with but welcomed me all the same and I'll never forget that.
"God willing, we will again be in the Champions' League next season, so what more could I want? I hope I have demonstrated my worth to the team since I came here."
Ayala, who began his career with Argentinian side Ferro before joining River Plate, moved to the Mestalla from AC Milan in 2000.
onefootball
Tuesday 9th April 2002
Argentina defender Roberto Ayala has admitted he may be forced to leave Valencia at the end of the season after contract talks broke down over his salary demands.
"The board have already told me they wouldn't mind selling me if they reach a satisfactory agreement with another club and I agreed with them," he explained.
However, the 29-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign, is desperate to stay with the title-chasing Ches, who lie second in La Liga behind Real Madrid.
"I've said several times I intend to stay here as I feel comfortable. When you reach a certain age, money is not a big deal. My wife and children are settled and that is an extremely important factor."
Ayala revealed he has developed a bond with the Valencia faithful and will always be indebted to them.
"I already knew how competitive the club was when I arrived but the fans have given me their love and support from the start. They didn't know me to start with but welcomed me all the same and I'll never forget that.
"God willing, we will again be in the Champions' League next season, so what more could I want? I hope I have demonstrated my worth to the team since I came here."
Ayala, who began his career with Argentinian side Ferro before joining River Plate, moved to the Mestalla from AC Milan in 2000.
onefootball