Spanish striker David Villa Sanchez, winner of World cup, Euros, and UEFA Champions League have joined Odisha FC. The club announced on social media today.
Villa is among one of the greatest strikers the world has ever witnessed. David started his professional career with Sporting de Gijon in 2001. After spending 2 seasons their Villa moved to Real Zaragoza, where he made his La Liga debut. Villa went on to win Copa Del Rey and Supercopa de Espana their.
In 2005 Villa joined Valencia for a fee of 12 million Euros. He again won the Copa Del Rey there. At the age of 28 Villa made his move to Barcelona for 40 million Euros in 2010. Villa won his first Laliga as well as Champions League and scored in the finals too. Villa left Barcelona in 2013 and join Atletico where he won another La Liga title. After another season Villa went to MLS the American football league. Villa became New York City’s record goalscorer and appearance maker. Finally, Villa made his last move to Vissel Kobe in Japan and retired there.
The 39-year-old Spanish football legend has been brought in by Odisha FC. Villa would spearhead their global football operations. David said in an interview with Sky Sports that he would try to bring his 20 years of experience towards Odisha FC.
” I will try to bring my experience. Obviously, I didn’t play in India but I have played football for 20 years as a professional and before that in the academy. And in all the projects that we are involved in. I will try to give all the experience that I have in football”. Villa said
Odisha FC’s CEO fascinated about Villa joining their team.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome David Villa and DV7 group to the Odisha FC Family! it’s crazy to think that when I started watching football. I used to see David on tv, now we are trying to help grow football in Odisha”. Said, Rohan Sharma, CEO of Odisha FC.
It’s a brilliant move for Indian football and this is a quiet different role for Villa, I expected him to be a remain part of the City Football Group and work at some management related role.
It can also be seen as a PR move from Odisha to bring a legend to spread the awareness and attract the eyeball of Indian fans who have watched European football a lot. I think ISL clubs need to market themselves more globally so they can gain external revenues.
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