De Guzman seeks Villarreal exit

Dutch midfielder Jonathan De Guzman has admitted he is looking for a way out of relegated Villarreal.

The former Netherlands U21 international joined the Yellow Submarine in 2011 from Mallorca with high hopes, but the club that played Champions League football unexpectedly encountered relegation to Spain’s Segunda Division this season, prompting most of their talents to seek an exit.

“Playing in the Segunda Division is not an option for me. This I think is true for most of my team-mates who played Champions League football,” De Guzman told Voetbal International.

“Relegation is the last thing I expected when I signed from Mallorca.”

The Canada-born midfielder moved to Europe in 1999 as a 12-year-old to play for Feyenoord and is reported to be monitored by Twente.

“I read about the Twente rumours on the Internet but neither me nor my agent are in talks with them,” he said.

“We will wait and see, but what is sure is that a return to the Netherlands is only possible insofar as a club guarantees me regular playing time and an important role.”