Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani has signed for LaLiga side Valencia CF following his release from Manchester United. The former Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain striker will play in Spain for the first time in his career.
The 35-year-old became a free agent at the end of the previous season when he decided against signing an extension with the Red Devils; he has been angling for a move to Spain since and turned down proposals to return to South America and play for both Boca Juniors and Penarol.
Cavani was in the stands at the Mestalla on Monday night to witness his new side get beaten by Atletico Madrid 1-0. Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the night to give the Rojiblancos the win.
“I am happy to be here. I wanted to play in Spain and Valencia were willing to bet on me.”
“I like to be where I’m wanted, where I’m loved because you live off the strength of the fans and the club’s love. I talked to [Gennaro] Gattuso and Valencia have given me a lot of confidence, so I hope I can give them my best and leave a good image here,”
Cavani told the club’s official website.
He has become Valencia’s seventh signing of the season. Los Che have brought in Hugo Duro, Samu Castillejo, and Andre Almeida on permanent deals and signed Cenk Ozkacar, Nico Gonzalez, and Samuel Lino on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Valencia becomes 35-year-old Cavani’s sixth professional club. The forward started his career in his native Uruguay with local giants Danubio, where his talents were spotted by the then Serie A side Palermo.
In 2011, Cavani went to Napoli, the club where he made his name, and after two years, was transferred to PSG for a staggering 64 million euro fee. He spent seven seasons in the French capital before leaving upon the expiration of his contract and joining United on a two-year deal, the second of which he spent mostly on the sidelines due to the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
