Denis Cheryshev: “Win the Copa del Rey with Valencia? Life takes many a twist and turn”

Denis Cheryshev, the player at the centre of the Copa cock-up that cost Real Madrid their place at the King’s table spoke today about his move to Gary Neville’s Valencia. In a twist of fate, Cheryshev can now play in the Copa and potentially win it with his new club Valencia. He was officially presented at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna on Tuesday, accompanied by Sporting Director, Jesús García Pitarch.

The player explained the reasoning behind his joining the club:

Valencia CF are a huge club and it's a great opportunity for me to come here. The Sporting Director and the coaching staff have shown confidence in me and I want to help however I can. When the option of Valencia CF came up, I didn’t think twice.

Do you think you’ll play against Barça?

I don’t know. I’ve only trained once. It depends on the coach, but I’m available.

Real Madrid were ejected from the Copa and now you can play for Valencia and knock Barcelona out?

Is that a question or a statement? Life takes many a twist and turn.

How have the last few months been?

It’s never easy when you’re not playing, but you have to take the positives from everything that happens. Training at the top level was a proud time for me, but when coming here came up I was delighted.

Valencia’s current woes:

"Those are just the current circumstances. Valencia is a great club and a great team. There is competition but I have come here to contribute. Football is about different moments. With hard work you can succeed."