Riquelme: Lay off Forlan

Juan Roman Riquelme insists he's staying at Villarreal and has defended Diego Forlan.

Riquelme and Forlan guided the Madrigal outfit to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal this season, and despite missing out on the European crown the Argentinian insists he is going nowhere.

"I am very proud to hear that many important European teams are talking about me and are interested in having me in their teams, but at the moment the only team in my thinking is Villarreal," he stated.

"I still have a long contract here, and I am very happy to be here, so I don't think about anyone else."

Former Manchester United striker Forlan, meanwhile, who has only scored 11 times for the club this season, was berated by the fans in the 2-1 home win against Malaga.

And the Argentine playmaker wants everyone to remember the role his South American team-mate has had in the club's success.

"I think the supporters have been unfair to Forlan," Riquelme continued.

"They have to remember that last year Diego was the top scorer in La Liga and his goals gave Villarreal the chance to play in the Champions League this year.

"I don't like it when any of my team-mates are treated in that way by the supporters, but Forlan especially didn't deserve the criticism.

"He is a great person and an excellent footballer who has contributed a lot to Villarreal," he said.