Morientes glee at Valencia deal
Fernando Morientes is delighted to have secured a move from Liverpool.
Fernando Morientes has revealed his delight after sealing a transfer from Liverpool to Valencia, believed to be in the region of £3.1 million. There was briefly some confusion about whether or not the move would go ahead, but the striker has insisted there was never much danger of it falling through.
"I knew it wasn't going to be a problem," Morientes told the Spanish press.
"My only concern was that the clubs would not find an agreement."
Morientes struggled to reproduce his old Real Madrid form in England but stressed that he was not looking to move to just any club.
He is relieved to be returning to his homeland and will be fresh to make a contribution to Valencia's La Liga campaign next season following his omission from Spain's World Cup squad.
"It was very clear to me that had I not gone to a club like Valencia, I wouldn't have left at all," he explained.
"It's something that I wanted, I had two years left on my contract with Liverpool but this option came along and I had no doubts, it was my only option."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez led Valencia to two domestic titles and a Uefa Cup during his spell in charge of the club, but Morientes revealed that he needed little encouragement from his manager.
"We've spoken a lot but he didn't have to say anything specific about Valencia," he said.
"It is a great club and for any professional it's a great opportunity to play there.
"This is a challenge for me and I want to win titles for Valencia.
"It was a big disappointment not to be included in the World Cup squad but I think signing for Valencia has cured this wound, you have to turn the page."
