Blackburn have tied down David Raya to a new long-term contract.
The goalkeeper, very much the first choice option at Ewood Park, signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract on Thursday that will keep him with the club until the summer of 2021, at least.
Raya didn’t have any concerns or doubts about signing his new deal as the Spaniard is very much at home in Lancashire.
He told the Official Website: ‘I’m obviously very pleased to extend my stay here. I’m very happy and grateful to the gaffer and the club for giving me the chance to carry on playing for this fantastic club. I’ve been here for six years, so I’ve always said it feels like home. It was always my intention to sign a new deal. I’m happy, we’re doing well, I’m settled here and I’m very happy that the gaffer gave me the chance to keep playing.’
He has worked his way through the academy, having joining Blackburn at the age of 16, pushing himself closer to the first team reckoning in recent years before establishing himself as Tony Mowbray’s number one this term.
Becoming first choice has pleased Raya, but he wants to end this campaign remaining that way and crowing it with promotion back to the Championship, ideally as a League One winner.
‘Obviously the main goal is to get promoted and the second one is to win the league,’ added Raya. ‘We’re going to push Wigan and try to get above them and win the league. That would be a massive achievement for everybody connected with the club. We all want to get back to the Championship at the first attempt. My personal aim is just to carry on playing, keep my number one spot and continue to develop as a player and as a person.’
A proven first team player, securing him in the long-term is important for all concerned and, worst case scenario, ensures Blackburn are further protected should Raya, 22, continue his improvement and attract the attentions of others who might look to lure him away from Ewood.
