Gabriel Paulista reveals Valencia return hopes | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid defender Gabriel Paulista has this week opened up on his desire to reunite with former club Valencia over the coming months.

Stopper Gabriel, of course, brought a close to his stint on the books of Valencia this past January.

As much came amid somewhat bizarre circumstances, as Los Che’s board came to the decision to terminate the former Arsenal man’s contract, so as not to trigger an appearance-based renewal in his contract with the club.

Gabriel, in turn, went on to put pen to paper on a short-term deal with La Liga rivals Atlético Madrid.

Having managed only a handful of appearances for Diego Simeone’s side over the 2nd half of the term, however, the 33-year-old will imminently find himself boasting free agent status.

And Gabriel, for his part, appears to have his heart set on a swift Mestalla return.

Speaking to Radio Marca and Chiringuito de Jugones (as cited by Mundo Deportivo) during a trip to the city of Valencia on Wednesday, the Brazilian was not shy in admitting that:

“The truth is that I would like to return. I would like it very much because I have had very happy moments here. My family… we all had a good time and I would be happy to return. You never know what can happen in football.”

Conor Laird | GSFN