Nilmar quashes Villarreal exit rumours

Villarreal striker Nilmar has quashed rumours he is considering a move back to Brazil in the January transfer window.

The Brazil international, 27, has struggled for fitness in the 2011-12 season, and recently underwent knee surgery which has necessitated a long spell on the sidelines.

During his recuperation he has been linked with several Brazilian clubs, including Sao Paulo, but Nilmar is insistent he will not be moving away in the next month.

“I have been disconnected during the holidays, but in Brazil (a transfer) has been talked about a lot,” Nilmar told ESPN.

“It is natural, as the transfer window is open, but I have made it clear that I am feeling good here, that I do not want to leave and that is the situation. I want to help the team in the second half of the season.”

Nilmar said he is on the way to a full recovery from the injury and hopes to make up for lost time with his club in 2012.

“I know that a lot is expected of me and I do not want to let anyone down. I feel good, without pain, and with the desire to win back the confidence of everyone,” he said.

“I am very confident and the key now is to play and show that. We will throw everything at these next five months.”

The striker moved to Villarreal in 2009, following spells with Internacional, Corinthians and Lyon.