Valencia striker Hugo Duro proud of form; happy wearing No9 shirt

Valencia striker Hugo Duro admits he's delighted with his form this season.

Duro has nine goals this term and was speaking before Sunday's LaLiga clash with Atletico Madrid.

He said: "As you get older you gain more experience on the pitch and on a sporting level I would say yes, it is my best moment."

On a Spain call, Duro continued: "Well, that's not an issue for me, it's up to the coach to decide. I have to keep doing well at the Club and if one day the award comes, great. I'm focused on helping Valencia CF and keep scoring goals."

On wearing the No9 shirt this season, he also said: "I was quite excited, I have always worn it in lower categories. When I had the chance, I told my father and my father told me that it was a lot of pressure. I didn't care, wearing the '9' at the end of the day is something symbolic, that doesn't make you score or miss more goals. I never thought about the pressure it could put on me. I knew the year was going to be demanding, but I knew I was going to give everything to improve.

"It is a hard-working, humble, young group and everyone is eager to contribute and prove themselves. It is a unique opportunity for everyone to be here, to be able to earn a place in Valencia CF and it is something that makes us very excited. And then, the coach is fair, no one can relax because he takes you out of the eleven. That competitiveness makes us a better group and makes things go well."