Valencia fullback Jose Luis Gaya has released a statement after injury ended his World Cup.

Gaya has been released from Spain's squad with an ankle strain and been replaced by Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde.

Gaya said on social media: "I thank you for all the messages of support that I have received in the last hours. I honestly don't know if I deserve so much love.

“It is not easy to accept that one of your dreams as a child is ruined by a slight sprain, but things happen sometimes, they come like this and we must accept them.

"I'll be one more fan who will enjoy each game of Spain. For this reason, I want to wish my colleagues all the luck in the world because I have no doubt that this is the World Cup of Spain.

“Life goes on."