David Villa certainly seems to be enjoying his new life in New York. The striker appeared relaxed and in good humour when Noemi de Miguel caught up for a chat for Canal + programme 'Espacio Reservado', shot in Central Park, which will be aired on Thursday night.
El Guaje, who scored 48 goals in three seasons at Barcelona, says the majority of them were served up to him on a plate by Leo Messi. “70% of the goals I scored came from a Messi pass... but we, the players, are above all of that. People always ask me why Barça constantly change their strikers but that’s how Barcelona works, all of the big clubs are constantly changing players because the level they aim for is so demanding”, Villa explained.
A injury at the 2011 Club World Cup in Yokohama left Villa sidelined and nursing a fractured ankle for five months, a moment which he says, was the lowest point of his playing career. “Any elite sportsman is used to entering the field, running faster than anyone else, shooting with both feet or pulling off an overhead kick.... the demands are high but the most difficult part for me was not playing. At least I did feel part of the team but in sporting terms, it was a poor year for us, and being out injured time made it even worse; you feel frustrated at not being able to help the team. There’s no doubt that that was the darkest moment of my career”.
Villa also revealed that his move to Atlético de Madrid in 2013 came completely out of the blue. “At the time, it looked like I would be moving to England but all of a sudden Atlético stepped in and told me in no uncertain terms what they wanted from me – and they kept their word. They told me how important I would be for Atleti, even if it was to be just for one season. I left the Calderón happy because everything we spoke about in that meeting in Asturias, came to fruition during my time at the club.
“It makes me think that I am a very lucky person! Not just for the clubs I have played for but also for the fantastic cities I’ve been lucky enough to live in. Now I’m here in New York and sometimes I come down here [to Central Park] for a kickabout. I’m enjoying it and I know that I am very privileged; it’s a unique opportunity for me and it all thanks to football. I hope I can continue to enjoy it for as long as I can”, he ended.
The full interview can be seen on 'Espacio Reservado' - broadcast on Canal + at 10:30 CEST tonight.