Mangala: "I'm happy to be back at Valencia CF and Mestalla"

Eliaquim Mangala signed a two-year deal with Valencia CF on Tuesday afternoon, confirming a signing that had been provisionally agreed the previous day. The defender, accompanied by VCF president Anil Murthy, talked about his return to the club three seasons after his previous spell at Mestalla, and expressed his excitement about the permanent move.

"It's a pleasure to be back. I'm happy because I had a strong desire to return here. I have plenty of memories of my first spell at Valencia CF, and I can't wait to play at Mestalla again; it's a spectacular stadium," said the Frenchman after making his deal official.

"I have a lot of good memories of the fans and of the people who work here at the club. I know that some things have changed since I left, but there are still some players from the squad who I know from my previous season here -as well as others from the French national team. That is going to make the adaptation much easier for me," he told VCF Media.

"I've spoken to Dani Parejo several times, and I also talk with Geoffrey Kondogbia, who just sent me a message. I hope to talk with the others on Wednesday at the first training session."

"Last season was incredible for everyone and I think we should carry on from that," added Mangala. "It's always difficult to get better in the season after winning a trophy, but with a strong mentality and daily work it's going to be much easier to try to repeat it."