Angulo pledges future to Valencia
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Article summary
Miguel Angulo has resisted overtures from Arsenal FC to sign a new four-year contract with Valencia CF.
Article body
Miguel Angulo has resisted overtures from Arsenal FC to sign a new four-year contract with Valencia CF, which ties him to the Spanish champions until 30 June 2009.
Super Cup triumph
The 27-year-old was reportedly on the cusp of a €5.2m switch to Highbury after being left out of the Valencia squad which defeated FC Porto 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup on Friday. However, Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri said was keen for the tall attacking player to remain at the Mestalla and the player followed that up by agreeing a new deal.
'Best decision'
"It was a personal decision and nothing to do with economic or technical motives," said Angulo. "My heart told me to return to Valencia and I have followed my instincts. I am happy to be back home again, this has been the best decision for me."
European success
Rather than playing a part in Arsenal's quest to win the Champions League, Angulo will be wearing the white of Valencia in Europe's premier club competition. He was part of the Valencia team that lost the final to Real Madrid CF in 2000 but did not play in the following season's defeat by FC Bayern München at the same stage. Angulo finally won a European trophy last season as Rafael Benítez's side beat Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Cup final.
