Raya admits he would 'love' La Liga move before retirement
David Raya has opened up on his long term ambitions, admitting he harbours a desire to play in La Liga before his career is finished, despite describing his current spell at Arsenal as the best of his professional life so far.
The Arsenal goalkeeper has become one of the most reliable shot stoppers in Europe since arriving at the Emirates, and his form has not gone unnoticed. Raya has made the ten goalkeeper shortlist for the Yashin Trophy, which will be awarded at next week's Ballon d'Or ceremony, and he has won the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the last three seasons. He is the favourite to claim a fourth in a row come May.
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Despite that standing in English football, the Spaniard grew up supporting Real Madrid and was asked by Spanish outlet Marca whether he could see himself returning to his homeland in the future.
“Yes, I would love to,” Raya said. “I would love to try out La Liga. For now, I'm very happy here [at Arsenal], but I would certainly like to experience the Spanish league. I think it's a very competitive league. Perhaps, in the future, I could play for a Spanish club. I'm Spanish and I'd love to play there, that's for sure.”
Contract situation at Arsenal
Raya is now entering the final two years of his current Arsenal contract, though he signed an improved deal with a salary increase last year. There is no indication from his comments that a move away is imminent, with the 31 year old stressing he remains settled in north London for now.
His performances have continued to earn recognition on the biggest stages. Raya was named in the team of the season for both the Premier League and the Champions League last term, and he also became a World Cup winner this year with Spain, albeit as an unused substitute behind Unai Simon throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on a standout year
Asked to assess his year as a whole, Raya struck a positive tone about his development since joining Arsenal.
“I believe I've had a perfect year,” he said. “Perhaps the only thing missing was playing in the World Cup. Every year since I arrived at Arsenal, I've continued to improve and hopefully that will keep happening. But I truly believe this year, by winning the Premier League and playing a decisive role in the league, the Champions League, and the Community Shield, it has been my best season as a professional, being impactful and lifting trophies.”
For now, Raya remains Arsenal's established No.1, with any La Liga move appearing to be a longer term ambition rather than a pressing transfer target.
