Isco has put pen to paper on a new contract at Malaga and revealed that his primary intention was always to stay at La Rosaleda.
The attacking talent has been linked with a number of clubs during the season in light of some eye-catching form off the pitch and negotiations over a new contract with Malaga lingering since the summer.
However, the player was confirmed last night at a Press conference as having renewed his deal, which has not seen an extension beyond the original June 2016 expiry, but has handed the player a pay rise and increased his buyout clause from €21m to €35m.
“It’s an important step for me and for Malaga. I’m very happy to be staying here and renewing my contract,” the 20-year-old told reporters at the announcement of the news this week.
“I’m so grateful of the faith Malaga has in me, and I have every confidence in the team, and my ability to keep growing as a player.
“We’re hoping that everything gets sorted out with UEFA, and everything goes well for the club.
“My focus right now is to grow as much as I can as a footballer, and there’s no better way to do that than to stay here at Malaga.
“I’m 20 and continue to mature and improve every day. I’m a very ambitious person and always striving for improvement, although my contract renewal has no relation to my growth as a player.”
Sporting director Mario Husillos was asked if there had been contact with any clubs over a possible transfer.
“There have been some informal conversations, as well as more serious talks, with some of the biggest clubs in the world getting in contact every few weeks,” commented Husillos.
“However Isco has been wise, and has never contemplated a renewal with a future sale in mind; a clause in the contract protects us from this situation.
“Every club in the world does it – Manchester United sold Cristiano to Real Madrid, and Atletico sold Kun Aguero to City. Life in the footballing world goes on.
“It’s only natural that the major clubs have shown interest in Isco as he’s a top-class player. The big players play in the big clubs. Isco has renewed his contract to remain here at Malaga.”
