Spain’s all-time leading goal-scorer David Villa has signed an deal that will see him play 10 guest games in the A-League season for Melbourne City.
Melbourne Heart has officially changed its name to Melbourne City after being acquired by Manchester City.
The club has used its new connections and used its money wisely, luring Villa on loan from the club’s sister team New York City FC.
He will most likely be ready for the October A-League start, and will play until the recess in January when the Asian Cup begins in Australia.
The MLS season does not start until March, meaning Villa will be using the deal to keep up his match fitness.
“It’s very good for me in every sense,” Villa said in a statement.
“From a football point of view it’s the opportunity to play in a new league in a different country, and of course it will be ideal for me to get some competitive football in the period before the MLS season gets underway.”
Villa is currently part of Spain’s World Cup team that is seeking to defend its 2010 crown; a campaign in which Villa shared the golden boot with Germany’s Thomas Mueller.
He has played for Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, featuring in Atletico’s losing Champions League final against Real Madrid.
He hopes to bring his success to the club that finished last in the 2013/14 season.
“What I’ve always done throughout my career is do the best I possibly can,” he said.
“That is what I will do for Melbourne City FC in every game that I play for them.
“I’ll be giving everything for the team, just like I have with every club I’ve played for.”
Head Coach John van’t Schip said he was delighted Villa would be joining the Club for part of the 2014-15 campaign.
“David Villa is still at the peak of his game; he is playing his third World Cup in Brazil, has just won the Spanish league and is an instinctive and gifted striker who will contribute significantly to Melbourne City FC,” van’t Schip said.
“We are confident David will be an incredible asset to the playing group and his experiences in Europe and for his country will help our players not only on the pitch, but in training as well.”
David Villa Career Highlights:
• David became the first player to score 50 goals for his national team Spain
• All-time leading goal scorer for the Spanish National Team
• Won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 scoring 5 goals and was top goal scorer with 4 goals as Spain won the European Championships in 2008
• He has been named in the Spain squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil
• Won two La Liga titles with Barcelona in 2010/11 and 2012/13 and again with Atlético Madrid in 2013/14
• Won the UEFA Champions league with Barcelona in 2010/2011
Player Details
David Villa
DOB: 3 December 1981 (32)
Position: Forward
Place of Birth: Langreo, Spain
Previous Clubs: Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona, Valencia, Real Zaragoza, Sporting Gijon