David Villa has enthused at the prospect of starting for Spain at El Molinon on Friday, the home of his former club Sporting Gijon.
The 31-year-old, who came through the ranks at Sporting before a 2003 move to Real Zaragoza, is set to return to the club’s home ground this week with the Spanish national team, for their home World Cup qualifier against Finland.
“It’s a dream that I have had for a long time come true,” Villa told reporters today.
“Since I left Sporting, I dreamed of returning home, although I have done so as part of the away team. Everyone knows that I have really wanted to return.
“When I came back here in another shirt, it was like I was stealing from my own house.
“For us, today the only game is Finland. We want to continue this qualification campaign and delight the people of Asturias.
“We will see more of them. Certainly we will tighten up, something different to what other national teams have asked of us.
“They will be playing with three forwards, it will be very complicated and they will be eager to defeat Spain.”
Villa is back in the starting line-up at Barcelona too.
“I have played four straight games, the team has achieved important victories and I am happy. I am glad to help, the Coaches are relying on me.
“I am focused on the present, the near future, and I want to finish the season as best as I can for myself and for my club.”
In Villa’s recent struggles, national team scoring duty has seemingly been taken over by Pedro Rodriguez.
“He’s a great player, with goals and many other things. In recent games he has helped us stay on track in qualifying.
“Hopefully tomorrow and even more so in France he will continue to expand this run of goals.”
