Sports

U.S.’ striker Altidore wants _ and expects _ to stay at Villarreal

United States National Team forward Jozy Altidore’s club status is up in the air, spending last season on loan from Villarreal to Hull City and now reportedly drawing interest from both Besiktas and Ajax. But as the Livingston, NJ-born striker prepares for tomorrow’s U.S. game vs. Brazil, he doesn’t seem worried.

“I’m going to do a Lebron James “Decision,” keep everybody guessing,” Altidore said with a megawatt smile, as he prepared for the U.S.’ game at the New Meadowlands. “I’m in a really fortunate decision, a lot of good things on the table. Villarreal is being very supportive, very positive, so it’s all looking good.”

When asked if he not only preferred to stay at Villarreal, but EXPECTED to remain with the la Liga side, Altidore said he did, after a conversation with manager Juan Carlos Garrido.

“He’s told me if I stay there and train well I’m going to play. Of course if I had my way I’d love to be there and prove my worth,” said Altidore. “Do I expect to be there? Yeah, I expect to be there. It’s the club that gave me the opportunity so now I’s time that I proved I belong.”

Altidore scored the equalizer Sunday in Villarreal’s 2-2 draw with Besiktas, to whom he reportedly may be sold. But Altidore played down reports of him going to the Turkish side, calling it “paper talk” and saying he already has a fairly good notion of what him immediate transfer future holds.

“For the most part it’s already resolved. Yeah, I do,” Altidore said. “Everybody knows I want to stay with Villarreal; they’re the club that bought me and I think I’ve done well coming back there. The dialogue is ongoing and they’re happy with what I’m doing so far, the coaching staff.”