Gayà: "Being here with Spain is a source of great pride"

A player who worked his way up through the ranks at Valencia CF to become a first team regular, José Luis Gayà has also had the chance to do the same for his country. These two worlds collide this Saturday, when he plays for Spain at Mestalla against Norway.

"Being here with 'La Roja' is a source of great pride. It's been a long time since the national team last played at Mestalla, and I will be thinking about my family, my friends and those who have always been supporting me. It will be a beautiful game," he said in a press conference on Friday.

"In terms of my position, I'm not averse to playing as a winger, although when I did so for Valencia CF we had two lines of four," he explained when asked about his position. "My position is fullback, but I'm delighted to help the team in whatever way possible."

"Recently a lot of left backs with the same profile have come through at Valencia CF; we're fullbacks who like to attack, and that speaks well of the VCF Academy. The academy should be important for any club, and that's how it has to be at Valencia CF."

Commenting on the need to get the fans back behind Spain, Gayà said: "We have to generate excitement, and the qualifying stage starts tomorrow. We have a lot at stake in this first game and we have to create excitement amongst those who come to the stadium and those who watch the game on TV. They will see a side with clear ideas, who want to win from the start, and that's going to be the plan."