Edu has urged David Albelda to stay at Valencia after playing alongside him in the club's first pre-season friendly at the weekend.The Brazilian midfielder scored the only goal of the game in the victory against Bochum at the weekend and both he and Albelda produced strong performances.

Now Edu has called upon the club to ensure that the Spanish international is not allowed to move on, after a torrid season last term saw him frozen out by Ronald Koeman.

"I have told various members of the squad that David is so important to us and for the team," he told Marca.

"At the moment I cannot comment on his situation or what has happened and I do not know if he will stay or not, but I would say that there are very few players available who can contribute what he does.

"I would want him to stay in the team because of what he brings to Valencia."

Edu's own stay at the club was also in doubt after Juan Sanchez was replaced as sporting director by Xabier Akargorta and was told that any offers for him would be considered.

A sudden change at the top however, has seen the situation revert back to Sanchez being restored to his old post and now the former Arsenal playmaker looks set to stay.

"The previous sports director wanted to speak to me to talk about bids, but I did not like the fact that he spoke through the media," Edu continued.

"Among professionals it is normal to talk, but that person is no longer here and I am a lot calmer because my agent has spoken to Sanchez who clarified that I would stay and that the coach thinks highly of me."

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