Villarreal midfielder Borja Valero says Real Madrid past would not stop him joining Barcelona
Villarreal midfielder Borja Valero insists that his past life with Real Madrid would not stop him from signing for their fierce rivals Barcelona.
The former Madrid player has excelled with Villarreal this season as he has helped them to third place in La Liga — three points behind leaders Madrid and two behind Barca.
As a result of his performances, Valero received a call-up to the Spain national team for the first time and has been subject to transfer speculation linking him with a move to Barca, with manager Pep Guardiola believed to be keen on securing the services of
the 25-year-old.
Ahead of his side’s visit to the Camp Nou on Saturday 13 November, he told Spanish publication Sport that: “My past with Real Madrid means nothing. A player is always trying to improve in the various clubs where he plays, and without doubt (Barcelona) is one
of the best in the world and I would love to play for them if I ever had the chance.
'Guardiola is one of my role models'
“I spent 11 years in Madrid, but I’ve always liked Guardiola, who likes to play good football. I liked him not only at Barcelona, but when he played with the Spanish team. I do not know if he likes me directly, but I’ve been told many times. It is a compliment
that he speaks well of me because he has always been one of my role models in the game.”
Valero is on loan at Villarreal from English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion, who are believed to value him at around 20 million euros.
The player has made nine appearances for Villarreal in La Liga this season, scoring two goals and creating two assists as he helped them claim 23 points from 10 games.
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