Nelson Deossa has revealed that Real Betis Balompié wanted to sell him during the summer transfer window. The Colombian midfielder, however, made clear his intention to stay and fight for his place in Manuel Pellegrini's side, which sits third in La Liga with 16 points.
"They wanted to sell me; it's respectable, it's their job, what they have to do," Deossa explained. "But I made it clear I wasn't going to leave; my intention was to stay, I was going to fight until the end." The player, who joined the club from Monterrey, acknowledges his first year in Europe was marked by an initial injury and adaptation difficulties.
Deossa argues he could not allow one bad year to define his career. "My intention was to stay. I hadn't planned to leave, I had come to Europe, it was the dream and I couldn't let people summarise my career and my abilities in one year," he stated. The 25-year-old spoke with his mother about his determination and says manager Manuel Pellegrini has given him confidence and minutes in preseason, a period he used to change his mentality.
The context of his performance
The Colombian admits arriving injured was very influential and that, at times, he was not fully committed to himself when not in the starting lineup. "I had a very negative balance in my personal and football life. Now I know what I must do, when, and at what moment," he acknowledged. This season, Deossa has featured in eight official matches, accumulating 335 minutes and registering one assist, precisely in the recent 1-1 draw with Deportivo La Coruña.
His personal evolution coincides with a strong run for the team, which enters the international break on a five-match unbeaten streak (four wins and one draw). Betis face their next fixture against Osasuna at the Benito Villamarín on October 11th, looking to consolidate their position near the top of the standings. Fans can follow the progress of the full squad on our squad page.
Deossa, who attracted interest from English clubs including Ipswich Town and Leeds United, has turned his stay into an opportunity to prove his true level in a project competing for a Champions League place.
Read the full report at Record MX
