19 October 2006, by Sean Gillen

Happy Miguel sees long-term future at Valencia

Portugal right-back dismisses Real Madrid speculation

Portuguese defender Miguel has rejected talk of a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, insisting that he is happy to stay with Valencia for many years to come.

The former Benfica right-back is reportedly the subject of strong interest from Real manager Fabio Capello, who is looking for a player to replace injured full-back Cicinho.

But when questioned about the speculation, Miguel responded by saying: “First they have to speak to Valencia, and since they have not done that I don’t have to say anything on the matter. I hope to remain for many years at Valencia and for the time being I have a contract with my club.”

Miguel also used the opportunity to reject reports that he had used the rumours of a move to ask Valencia director Amedeo Carboni for a new contract: “My representative speaks every month with Carboni and it coincided, on this occasion, with the interest from Real Madrid. It is a lie that he has spoken with Carboni about improving my contract. This has been said in the press and it bothered me.”

Valencia lost their last league game 3-2 at Celta Vigo last weekend, but responded with a 2-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, and Miguel hopes that the team will get back to winning ways in La Liga in their next game against Osasuna.

“I think the game at the weekend against Celta Vigo was an accident, but we have to look at it and not commit any more errors. Yesterday (against Shakhtar) we played a good game and we won, obtaining the three points,” he said.

Real Madrid meet Barcelona in Spain’s Grande Clasico on Sunday, and Miguel recognises that the match is an opportunity for Valencia to steal a march on at least one of their rivals for the league title.

“A draw or a victory for Real Madrid would be good for Valencia, but what is necessary is to win our match and that is the most important thing,” he concluded.