Europe lures Marcano to Villarreal
Friday, July 3, 2009
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New Villarreal CF defender Iván Marcano said the prospect of playing European football was one of the crucial factors in his decision to make a reported €6m switch from Real Racing Club.
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New Villarreal CF central defender Iván Marcano said the prospect of playing European football was one of the crucial factors in his decision to make a reported €6m switch from Real Racing Club.
No doubts
The 22-year-old – who made 35 Liga appearances for the Cantabrian outfit last term – has agreed a six-year contract and will team up with new coach Ernesto Valverde at El Madrigal. "The truth is that I had other offers but there was no doubt in my mind about coming here; Villarreal is a club that has always attracted me," the Spanish Under-21 international explained. "I spent 13 years with Racing and I am from that region so it wasn't an easy decision for me to leave my home behind but this represents an important leap in my career."
European challenge
Villarreal will compete in a UEFA Europa League play-off in August, a challenge Marcano says he is looking forward to. "This is one of the few teams that have been playing in Europe for several successive seasons and that was a big incentive for me in coming here."
