Ever Banega says he turned down the chance of a loan move to Everton as he still had things to learn in Spain.
The Argentine international was a target for The Toffees during the window he opted to stay with Valencia.
“I feel that I am more mature now and that I still have many things to learn and show in Spain, that’s why I decided not be transferred to the English league,” said Banega – who spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.
“It was me who didn’t want to leave, I wanted to continue because I think in having a place in the team and I want to continue in that way.
“Besides what is said about me, I think about my team and about being a good team mate, look at the unity that our team showed last weekend on the pitch and I hope that it all continues in this way.
“You must know when you can do certain things and when you can’t. Thanks to the support of important players I am more mature, I am learning many new things and that’s good for me and for the team.”
Everton were keen on Banega and Miguel, but Valencia’s sporting director, Fernando Gomez, has revealed that as the players refused to be offloaded.
“There were opportunities, but the market closed too soon, there have been very few sales and many more loans, this makes it harder to find players an exit,” Gomez told Marca.
“Miguel and Zigic had offers, but Nikola did not want to leave, like Banega who wanted to stay here. The offers for Miguel came too late and he preferred to stay.”
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