Villa: Excited to be at Atleti

David Villa has enthused as the prospect of starting work at Atletico Madrid and thanked Barcelona for helping the move to go through.

The 31-year-old is just formalities away from signing off on a €5.1m transfer, which was announced yesterday evening.

Ahead of completing the move and having just passed his medical examination, the striker was cornered by reporters.

“I am excited and happy to start this new phase, especially for all the affection that Atletico Madrid have shown me in recent days, they have bet on me and I am eager to get to work as soon as possible and start this new adventure,” enthused Villa.

“Among the many key reasons for coming here was Diego Simeone’s confidence from the outset, and I am eager to work under him and return in every training session and every game the confidence that both he and all the people at Atletico have given me.

“I have to earn a spot in the team. They are a winning team that has achieved a lot in recent years.

“I come here as one more, from the start to try and help the group to become more competitive and even better.

“Hopefully I can do it.”

The striker struggled for regular first team football last season at Barcelona, but only had nice words for the Catalans.

“From the first day to the last they have shown a special fondness. I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to play three years at a great club like Barca and hopefully I can be as happy here.

“I have no complaints from the first to the last day at Barcelona.

“From what I hear, since I have obviously not been involved in negotiations, they have greatly facilitated my exit to Atletico Madrid, because they knew I wanted to come and play here, so thank you.”

Tags Villa
La Liga - Club News