DUNDEE United's Spanish striker Francisco Sandaza has voiced his desire to play in his home country in the near future after proving himself at Tannadice.
And the striker, United's top scorer this season with ten goals, believes it was necessary for him to move to another country in order to make those in his homeland appreciate his attributes.
Sandaza, 24, is relishing life in Scotland and is not d
esperate to return home straight away. But the former Valencia reserve, who had only ever played lower-league football before arriving on Tayside last summer, insists he deserves a chance among Spain's elite.
"I would love to return to my home country," said Sandaza. "I believe that I was forced to go abroad in order for people to appreciate me. It has been the same story for numerous Spanish players. I am not thinking of going back to Spain right away, as I am being treated very well in Scotland, but in the future I would like very much to go back. If a club in La Liga gives me the opportunity to play for them, I believe that I can make a big name for myself in Spain.
"I feel very positive about having come to Scotland. I have no regrets, and I am enjoying a good season. Adapting to a new country has gone well for me, and everything has gone well up to now.
"I'm being treated like a genuine star, and that is something I enjoy. I'm very grateful to all the fans for the way they behave towards me.
"People are passionate about their football in Scotland, and it's a very nice feeling to play every weekend."
Sandaza has returned to Spain to have treatment for an arm injury at Valencia's CIRD sports rehab centre. "I suffered a small tear to my bicep," he said. "I have almost completely recovered, and I'll be back in the team soon."
Whether or not Sandaza will be at Tannadice next season, the club's manager Craig Levein is desperately hoping Europa League football will be and tonight's fourth versus fifth clash in the Premier League against Aberdeen will certainly be influential in that outcome.
Levein, however, was unwilling to commit to any assertion that victory over their east-coast rivals at Tannadice would offer a guarantee of European football.
"A win against Aberdeen would take us a significant step towards European football but it wouldn't seal it," said Levein.
"There would be a seven-point gap but with nine to play for, so we're not looking towards it like that. All we're concentrating on is winning the game to stay ahead of Aberdeen and keep the pressure on Hearts (in third place]."
Levein also confirmed his interest in Slovakian keeper Dusan Pernis but admits the player's contract with MSK Zilina presents a problem.
The 24-year-old is tied up until January but United require a summer transfer so are likely to look at alternatives, with former Valencia man Alberto Marrama high on their list.
Levein said: "Dusan is one of several players we're looking at and he's a good keeper.
"But he's contracted to his club until next year so he's probably the least likely option at the moment."
The full article contains 547 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
