Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has stated that he rejected an opportunity to join Valencia in the summer in favour of staying with Watford.
The 36-year-old joined the Hornets on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer, and largely impressed as the club reached the Championship play-off final.
Watford ended up narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League, but Almunia, nonetheless, decided to remain at the club.
The Spaniard has now revealed that he had a chance to join Valencia in the summer transfer window, but wasn’t interested in leaving the Hornets.
“Playing in the final and losing at Wembley is one of the strong reasons I stayed,” Almunia was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“I want to finish the job here. Valencia wanted me but I told Watford they would be my first option.”
Prior to joining Watford, Almunia had made a total of 109 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, while also featuring in four Championship games while on loan at West Ham.
He has since made 48 Championship starts for Watford, impressing fans and pundits alike with some stunning saves in the process.
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