David Villa, the all-time leading goal scorer for the Spanish National Team, said on Tuesday that he will "work hard" to be called up by Julen Lopetegui for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 36-year-old forward revealed that he is aware that the coach of La Roja is "observing" him, as well as the possible "candidate forwards" to be included in the list of players going to the World Cup.
"In the end, he will decide who is most suitable. I would be delighted. What I will do is compete and train at the highest level to give my best," Villa said in an interview with EFE in Miami.
The author of 59 goals in 98 matches with Spain returned in September last year to a call-up after three years of absence to play two crucial qualifiers for the World Cup: against Italy and Liechtenstein; although he could only play a few minutes against 'La Azurra' due to an injury.
"Injuries always come at a bad time, but even more so in that case. But the reaction from the fans was very nice. It was very sweet despite ending badly with the injury," commented the former Barcelona and Atlético Madrid forward.
Fact: David Villa has played in three World Cups: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, where Spain won the title, and Brazil 2014.
(With information from EFE).
