Alejandro Grimaldo feels ‘loved’ at Bayer Leverkusen, yet still wishes to play in La Liga | OneFootball

Amid ongoing negotiations over a contract extension, Bayer Leverkusen “set-piece master” Alejandro Grimaldo is pleased with his recent decision to remain with his current Bundesliga outfit. Grimaldo has scored three magnificent free-kick goals thus far this summer. The Spaniard’s trademark “golf-swing” goal celebration renders him quite the popular figure in German football these days.

Bundesliga enthusiasts, not to mention Grimaldo’s newly appointed head coach, declare themselves immensely impressed with Grimaldo’s incredible ability to smack sensational top-spin into a resting ball. RB Leipzig captain David Raum – doing well with his own set-piece takes in this young Bundesliga campaign – has already begun copying Grimaldo’s trademark post-goal golf pose.

What all of this means for the 10-times-capped Spanish international’s desire to one day play professional football in his native country remains to be seen. At the age of 30, Grimaldo isn’t exactly running out of time rapidly. The long-time Benfica professional will still probably want to at least negotiate an easy exit clause in his new contract. Time will eventually run out on Grimaldo’s dream.

A recent quote from him speaks volumes.

“I thought about a transfer, but ultimately convinced myself to stay,” Grimaldo – as quoted by Kicker – remarked in a recent Sky Germany interview. “And that worked out just fine. In Leverkusen, I feel very loved by the fans, as well as by the club. I feel valued here. I thought at least one more year here would do me good, so I’m going to enjoy the season and give it my all.“

GGFN | Peter Weis