Cuellar loving Gers challenge

Spaniard enjoys playing in big games

Last updated: 15th May 2008

Carlos Cuellar ITV

Cuellar: Relishing challenge

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Rangers defender Carlos Cuellar is enjoying every minute of the Scottish side's push for quadruple glory.

The Spaniard has played a major part in Rangers' fantastic season, which will see them take on Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester on Wednesday in the final of the Uefa Cup.

As well as the Uefa Cup final, Rangers have already won the CIS Insurance Cup, will play in the Scottish Cup final and are very much in contention in the league, where they need to win their last three games to be assured of the title.

This success means Cuellar has played in almost double the amount of games this season than he would have done in Spain, but the 26-year-old does not regret his switch from Spanish outfit Osasuna last summer.

He told Spanish newspaper AS: "It's a question of looking after yourself well.

"You don't have a minute to rest. I think that in eight months I've played close to 70 games. In Spain you normally play 38 or 40 games at most.

Tough

"It's tough physically and mentally, but it's what we want as players, to be playing in big games and have that pressure on us.

"I came here because I knew it was a big club, with the chance of winning titles, of playing in the Champions League, always being in Europe, which is what I've always wanted. So I made the best decision."

Rangers will be underdogs against a rampant Zenit side but Cuellar says they will be playing to win.

"We'll go out there to win it. It's our obligation," he said.

"Football, as you know, is full of changes. One day you're here, the next you never know. You never know if you'll be lucky enough to play another final.

"This will be something historic, important and beautiful for this club. We have to win it."

Dedicate

Cuellar would like to lift the trophy in memory of his compatriot Antonio Puerta, who was playing for Sevilla at the start of this season when he died on the pitch during a league game.

Cuellar added: "Winning it for Puerta would be a good motivation.

"We could dedicate it to the memory of Antonio Puerta. It's going to be a great atmosphere."

Cuellar's good form has led to speculation of a move to the Premier League next term.

But when asked if he planned to stay at Rangers next season, he replied: "Yes, don't you doubt it."