Spanish forward David Villa has signed for Spanish Champions Barcelona from Valencia in a £34Million transfer, which will see him link up with international team mates Xavi, Iniesta and possibly Cesc Fabregas. Villa has played for Valencia for five seasons now, scoring 108 goals in 164 appearances. However, his scoring record for Spain is even more impressive, with the striker finding the back of the net 36 times in just 55 appearances. Villa is closing in on Raul’s 44 goals – which is currently the highest in Spain’s history.
Villa notched up seven goals in World Cup qualifying, just three behind top goalscorer Theofanis Gekas of Greece. Valencia’s president Manuel Llorente said they had accepted Barca’s bid for the prized striker, who scored 21 league goals last season. He stating that there were some big money offers for the player from England- “There was a big offer from England that was not from Chelsea but Barcelona’s was the best for us and the footballer. Villa has delivered a lot (to Valencia) and he deserves this chance.”
The player also released a statement, highlighting his love for the club and the difficulty in the decision to leave Valnecia. Villa released the following statment: “This is without doubt the most difficult and emotive moment of my entire career. After five marvellous seasons I take away many feelings and leave behind many friends but also knowing that it is a good thing for the club. I have given my all for Valencia football club, which I will always have in my heart, of which I am a shareholder and which I wish all the luck in the world.”
