Roberto Ayala has warned David Albelda that he must put all thoughts of his contract renewal to one side and concentrate only on playing until the end of the season.
The Argentinian defender claims he went through the same thing over negotiations for a new deal with los Ché and ended up agreeing to join Villarreal on a free for next term.
Talks between Valencia's sporting director, Amedeo Carboni, and Albelda have stalled over wages and has led to speculation that the player could move to FC Barcelona.
Albelda still has two years left on his current deal, but the club agreed to add a season more to the agreement and offered a rise in wages.
But the amount has proved to be a moot point and any discussions have come to a halt, leaving Albelda wondering where his future lies.
"He has to not be sheltered from all this and produce the form that he has been doing so far," Ayala stated.
"I think that David must channel his energies only on playing and not on these external problems.
"It is not easy and I full understand his situation as I have been through it and when you do not cut yourself off you are not 100 per cent focussed.
"David though is someone who has a strong menality and I think that should be able to do this.
"He is a homegrown player and that means a lot to him and the club. He is from the area, he is a symbolic player and has shown that he clearly wants to stay."
Goal.com - Ayala Tells Albelda To Stay Focussed