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Page last updated at 11:39 GMT, Sunday, 31 August 2008 12:39 UK

Pintado bullish on Swans destiny

By David Dulin
BBC Sport Wales

Gorka Pintado
Gorka Pintado is predicting a bright future for himself and Swansea

Gorka Pintado is dreaming of playing in the Premier League with Swansea City.

The new Swans favourite cost just �70,000 from Segunda B side Granada in the summer and has already scored two goals in three substitute appearances.

And the 30-year-old, nicknamed "El Toro" or "The Bull", is already beginning to feel at home.

"I am here to show my quality, my job is to score goals and I want to help the team," he said through an interpreter.

"If I can, maybe we can finish towards the top of the table. I hope I can play in the Premier League with Swansea."

Pintado scored 52 goals in three seasons at Granada where he was the club captain and a fans' favourite.

And it has not taken him long to earn cult status at the Liberty Stadium either - something which has taken him by surprise.

"It is not the same in La Liga," he said. "It was a surprise to see everyone singing all of the time and when I score, it's exciting.

"The mentality of the squad here and the focus on the football that we play here is very different to Spain."

606: DEBATE
But Pintado admits the best is still to come, as he has been playing through the pain barrier with a niggling back injury picked up in pre-season.

"It's good to get two goals in three games, but I hope to get more continuity on the pitch," he said.

"I want to play as many games as I can. I am a complete striker and I feel I can do things in this league.

Manager Roberto Martinez is backing Pintado all of the way, claiming the player would have cost up to �7m in the British transfer market.

He said: "Gorka has got the best years of his career in front of him and he will be at Swansea City for a long time.

"His strength is a handful for any defender, even Premier League ones.

"I can't wait until he is fully fit, right on top of his game and enjoying football to the full."


see also
Swansea City 1-1 Sheffield Wed
30 Aug 08 |  Championship
Boss Brown predicts Swans success
27 Aug 08 |  League Cup
Swansea 2-1 Hull (aet)
26 Aug 08 |  League Cup
Martinez delighted with Scotland
24 Aug 08 |  Swansea
Plymouth 0-1 Swansea
23 Aug 08 |  Championship
BBC Sport Wales coverage
23 Mar 08 |  Wales


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