Valencia have announced that captain Jose Gaya have extended his contract until 2027.

Gaya who joined the club’s academy at the age of 11 made his senior debut at the age of 18 against Atletico Madrid.

“Always, from the beginning, I wanted to be here. Going to another club or earning more money is not important,” said a joyous Gaya.

“I’m happy at Valencia CF and I believe in the project. In recent years I have been able to play in two finals and my ambition is to be able to continue at Valencia CF and work to be able to take us back to the top positions.”

On receiving many offers to leave the Che club, he said: “I won’t deny that there have been offers. However, the idea in my head was always to stay here, at my club. I want to continue growing and fulfilling dreams at Valencia CF. I know I have a lot of room for improvement and I want to do that here.”

He added: “The fact of being able to remember how long this road has been. There have been times in which I have sacrificed a lot, leaving my friends and family. I remember many people who have also tried to make the same journey and have not made it. I’m very proud of what I have achieved.

“My best moment at the club is the victory in the Copa del Rey, and the worst I would say was losing the final last season -but that moment also filled me with pride.

It’s very important to continue playing more games and making moments alongside the club. I try to go out on the pitch, enjoy myself and have a great year.

“My dream is to fight for big honours again, and that is why I have renewed my contract. I think we’re going to do that in these coming years.

Gaya has made 297 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and producing 29 assists.