Alberto Bueno has thanked Rayo Vallecano for giving him the stepping stone towards his expected summer transfer to Porto.
The 27-year-old leaves Los Vallecanos as their all-time top scorer in La Liga with 28 goals, including 17 this season, and he was quick to express his gratitude to the club, although he stopped short of confirming his move to Portugal.
“Saturday was a special day, my goodbye [to Rayo fans],” he was quoted as saying by AS.
“[Competing for the Pichichi] was a great challenge, especially when I don’t consider myself a centre forward.
“In football you have to work hard and demand a lot of yourself. I did my best [for Rayo] and my teammates helped me a lot. It’s been a very good season.
“Leaving is difficult because I feel valued here, but in football you always have to seek new challenges.
“Rayo will always have a very important place in my heart, so I thank them with capital letters.”
Bueno will join up with fellow Spaniards Julen Lopetegui, Ivan Marcano, Adrian Lopez and Cristian Tello at Porto.