Real Sociedad defender Alberto De la Bella has welcomed Jose Angel’s return to the club next season.
La Real have extended Angel’s loan deal from parent club Roma for another year and, despite the pair being in contention for the left-back berth, De la Bella [pictured, left] insists he is happy to see the former Sporting Gijon man at Anoeta.
“I’m very happy to have him back because he’s good for the squad and it’s what he wanted. It’s normal the club has brought in another left-back because to be competitive we need to have two players for every position,” he told reporters.
Barcelona-born De la Bella, whose fine form last term limited Angel to just 11 La Liga starts under former boss Philippe Montanier, believes he does not hold the upper hand over his rival and that both players now start from scratch.
“Last year was good for me to improve as a player and gain more confidence, but now we start a new season under a different boss in Jagoba Arrasate, so I think we start from zero with both having a chance of making the position his own.”
The 27-year-old was linked to a number of clubs this summer, most noticeably from the Premier League, but maintains he has had no thoughts in that direction.
“I’m very happy here and have a two-year contract in front of me. All I’ve been focused on is resting well before what is coming [next season].
“I’ll see what the club offer me, if that is what they want, but I need to be patient because there’s still plenty of time, although I still see myself here.
“This is where I grew up and at the moment I’m taking something from football that is exactly what I want,” he concluded.
