Silva and Baraja commit to Valencia
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Article summary
Valencia CF have shown their commitment to a UEFA Champions League challenge by securing the long-term futures of midfielders David Silva and Rubén Baraja.
Article body
Valencia CF have shown their commitment to a UEFA Champions League challenge by securing the long-term futures of midfielders David Silva and Rubén Baraja.
'My home'
The 21-year-old Silva has extended his existing deal by two years until June 2013, having enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at the Mestalla Stadium. He played in 36 Primera División matches, scoring five goals, as Valencia finished fourth to earn a place in the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. "I'm very happy to be here and to be able to continue at the club for years to come," said Silva, who was loaned to SD Eibar and RC Celta de Vigo earlier in his career. "I've been here since I was a child and regard it as home after so many years." Silva has also appeared five times for Spain since his debut last November.
Debt owed
Baraja, with 43 caps to his name, has just completed his seventh season at Valencia although it was an injury-hit campaign featuring only 14 league games and one goal. The 31-year-old, formerly with Real Valladolid and Club Atlético de Madrid, said: "I'm looking to the future, having been unable to play much this season. I hope that in the next three seasons I can repay the club's faith in me." Baraja had 12 months left on his contract yet will now remain at the Mestalla until June 2010. He helped Valencia win the Primera División in 2001/02 and 2003/04, having also played in the 2000/01 UEFA Champions League final defeat by FC Bayern München.