Eliaquim Mangala "very happy" to join Valencia

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 September 2016

Manchester City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala says that he is "very happy" to have joined Spanish side Valencia on a season-long loan.

Eliaquim Mangala has revealed his delight after joining Valencia on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The 25-year-old has thus far struggled to live up to his £31.8m price tag at Man City and after being deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola, he was allowed to leave on a short-term deal on transfer deadline day.

Mangala, who could make his Valencia debut away to Real Betis after the international break, has said that he is "very happy" to have joined Los Che, who the defender believes should be challenging for a spot in the top four this season.

"I am very happy to be here and to have joined such a big club. I previously had two chances to join the club and this was my third, so it felt like the final opportunity and it was one I wanted to take," Mangala told Valencia's official radio station.

"It feels like my destiny to be here right now and I can't wait to get started. I can't wait to start training and to be ready for selection against Betis. I am here to showcase my quality and potential to my teammates, coaches and fans. The aim this season is to be as close to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico as possible."

Samir Nasri, Joe Hart and Wilfried Bony were also allowed to leave Man City on loan on deadline day.