Wu Lei wants to stay at Espanyol despite relegation

MADRID -- Espanyol's Chinese international striker Wu Lei has committed his future to the club despite the side's relegation to the Spanish second division.

Wu scored four goals in 33 league appearances as Espanyol crashed out of La Liga with just 25 points from 38 matches.

Given his popularity in China, many had expected the striker to use this as a chance to change clubs. But in declarations reproduced in Spanish sports paper Diario AS, Wu committed himself to helping Espanyol bounce back to the top-flight.

"I have seen a lot of people discussing what my next destination would be, but I have had my ideas very clear for a long time," commented the striker.

"I have taken the decision to stay at Espanyol and to play in the second division with my team," he concluded.

The newspaper explains that Wu has also told his teammates and the club of his desire to remain.

The Barcelona based outfit is expected to name their new first team coach in the coming days, with Mallorca boss Vicente Moreno the favorite to be given the responsibility of bringing them back to La Liga.