Super Eagles Star Vows To Save Valencia From Relegation
1 year ago 3 min read
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Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has promised to repay Valencia’s faith in him by scoring goals that will save the team from relegation.
The six-time La Liga winners have endured a poor season, languishing in the 19th position on the log with a paltry 17 goals from 18 games.
Sadiq joined Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad on January 1st to become the first signing under Carlos Corberan, who also took over the reins in late December.
Valencia paid Real Sociedad a €1m loan fee, and they also have the option of making the deal permanent for €10m in the summer.
Sadiq is confident that he can score the goals required to turn the club’s fortunes around despite his lack of playing time at Real Sociedad.
He said, “As a striker, what I want is to score goals and get the best results possible.
“All players need continuity, and I haven’t had that at La Real. Coaches make their decisions, which I respect, but I have to keep moving, and I hope to do my best. I wish the best for Real Sociedad too.
“I suffered a serious knee injury. I was at my best before, but now I feel 100 per cent physically; what I need is regular football.
“When I started talking to Miguel Ángel Corona, I realised that there was a lot in common between Valencia CF and me because I have a lot of hunger.
“I have also seen that, due to the situation of the club, there is also a lot of hunger here, and I saw this coinciding in motivation that made me choose to come here.
“They have been in contact with me for about three weeks now. Valencia CF are one of the biggest clubs in Spain, and we are both in the same situation of hunger and growth.”
Sadiq said that he has spoken to the coach, and he understands what he expects from him as they battle to take Valencia out of the deep waters of relegation.
He concluded: “It is true that Valencia CF’s position at the moment is not where they normally are. Valencia CF are hungry, as shown against Real Madrid, but we were unlucky.
“I have spoken to him, and he has explained what they need from me. They need us all to fight. That is the mission: to fight for Valencia CF. The most important thing is to focus on the work by the team.”
Valencia’s Sporting Director, Miguel Ángel Corona, said Sadiq is exactly what the club needs to recover from their poor form.
He said, “We think he’s going to bring us a lot in attack. He’s going to give us a lot of options, being compatible with all the players we have in the squad. Getting used to them and having played, at times, upfront all alone.
“We have a lot of confidence; we know he’s going to help us. We wish him all the luck in the world. He is at full disposal of the coach from now on.”
Sadiq has enjoyed a prolific time in Spain with the likes of Almería and Real Sociedad, scoring 44 goals for both clubs.
He will make his debut for Valencia against Edense in the Copa Dey Rey on Tuesday.
