Peña: I don t regret leaving Barcelona to join Elche. I want to play and grow

Elche goalkeeper Peña spoke at the official debut ceremony on Wednesday, talking about his decision to leave Barcelona.

Penia said: "After a difficult season, leaving Barcelona is already a matter of personal well-being. I played 25 or 26 games, but I didn't play in the last few months, leaving a bitter feeling."

"Choose Elche was the decision after weighing the pros and cons. I went home. I am from Alicante, my family is here, and my wife is from here. And the football philosophy of the head coach, I have worked with him, and there are the best conditions here to make me put in 100% hard work, or get close to me. The best condition is."

Penia said she did not regret leaving Barcelona, ​​and although the injuries of Ter Stegen and Joan Garcia might have opened the door to serve as the main player again: "I could have played a few more games, but I have decided to leave. The club asked me to wait until they complete the registration for the goalkeeper, and obviously, I am willing to do it because I have a contract. "

"I need to play as many games as possible and maintain continuity in form, which is exactly what I lacked in the leap over the years."

Penia He had worked with Elche head coach Edel Sarabia for Villarreal youth team and Barcelona, ​​and said: "He knows what I can contribute, and I know what he wants from me. I talked with him a lot in the summer, but Barcelona didn't let me leave until the goalkeeper registration was completed. But he gave me confidence and told me they would wait for me, which is not a commitment that all clubs are willing to make. The coach told me that I can be an important part and that I am here to play and be a major player."

Penia admits that the team is currently It was in good shape and revealed that the coach allowed him to know in time what important players the club hoped to sign: "I am very clear that he will form a competitive team, although I didn't expect the team to be fourth after the eighth round. A good start gave us the motivation and confidence to continue moving forward, letting us know that we are the right players for this football philosophy."

"However, the season is very long, so we must extend the good momentum as much as possible, because there will always be times when there are poor results, and the more buffering advantages we accumulate, the more beneficial it will be for us."