Almunia said: “An unbelievable performance.
“He showed that he is a good player and a good scorer and I am sure he will show that soon in the Premier League.
“Julio is very strong and mentally strong as well.
“When he started off at Arsenal it was not very easy for him – but now he is happy here, starting to train well and is playing better.
“The only thing is he needs more chances in the league games, but with the players we have up front it is difficult to take a place in the team.
“I know that Julio wants to stay here because at Madrid he was not very happy.
“The decision is difficult because Jose is involved as well and Arsenal have to do a few things before Julio stays here.
“But Jose is happy in Spain and Julio is happy here, so that is it.”
