Soriano takes swipe at Real

Valencia chief fumes at Madrid's transfer tactics

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 28th August 2008

David Villa Valencia

Villa: Courted by Madrid

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Valencia president Fernando Soriano has criticised Real Madrid for trying to intimidate his club into selling David Villa and believes the player's contract renewal sends out a message.

Los Che felt under pressure with all the media attention and huge sums being talked about for the highly-rated forward and the club supremo was unhappy with some of Madrid's conduct.

Reports suggest that Madrid made one informal offer of €40m but the Spanish sports press reported different stories every day and Soriano clearly believes that it was a form of intimidation.

"Madrid has every right to make us an offer up until the final day of the transfer window, but I have not liked the way they have done things," he told reporters.

"This is a clear message to the world of football and the major clubs out there that Valencia will not be intimidated by anyone and that we are ready to press on with our plans."

Villa penned a new deal at Mestalla that will keep him at the club until 2014 and Soriano could not speak highly enough of the top scorer at this summer's European Championship.

"Valencia and David Villa are going to be together for many years and for me it is an honour that the best forward in Europe is staying with us," he continued.

"Above all the words there are facts. We are working on a sporting project with faith and determination and we need credibility and ambition.

"We need more players like David that command respect on the pitch and in the stands."