Paco Alcacer admits some Valencia fans will find his transfer to Barcelona difficult to accept.
The 23-year-old completed his move to Camp Nou on Tuesday for a fee of €30m, having spent his entire career up until then on the books at the Mestalla.
However, video footage has emerged of Los Che fans taking to the streets to burn shirts bearing the name of their former hero, meaning Alcacer can expect a hostile reception when he returns to the Mestalla with his new club.
“Some will understand and others will not,” the forward told reporters. “People need to understand the decisions of others and respect them, they can take them well or badly.
“I will always carry Valencia in my heart after so many years and when I can, I will go to the Mestalla to watch matches.
“When I found out there was an offer from Barcelona I was honest with the President and I told him to listen to it because it was good for me. It is a step forward in my career and it is also positive for Valencia.”
Alcacer went on to voice his pleasure at having joined the Spanish champions and described Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar as the world’s three best players.
“I am very happy. I need to thank all the clubs I have been at, they have made it possible for me to be here.
“I am very excited to start this new chapter and to try to give as much as I can.
“It is a privilege to be alongside the three best players in the world.”
