David Villa: "Wearing the Spain shirt is the best feeling in the world"
El Guaje arrived in Las Rozas this afternoon: "It's life or death for Spain against Italy and I'm ready to lend them a hand" said an excited Villa.
David Villa arrived at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, Madrid this afternoon after being recalled by Spain coach Julen Lopetegui for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers. "Nothing gives me such a buzz that pulling on the national team shirt. Playing my socks off while wearing the Spain shirt is one of the best feelings in the world", said El Guaje, the all-time top scorer for La Roja.
El Guaje Villa back with La Roja
Villa said that he was "completely bowled over" by the show of affection he has received since Lopetegui announced the Spain squad on Friday - the first time he has been included in a list for the national team in three years. His last appearance for Spain was at 2014 World Cup Brazil as was his last goal - in the 0-3 win over Australia, becoming only the third Spanish player to score at three different World Cup finals. "When I got the phone call, my initial reaction was maybe there was some kind of problem but it turned out to be the complete opposite. I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of love and affection I have received from everyone - especially from the press who have really made a big thing about my return", Villa said on his arrival in Las Rozas.
Villa: "I'm filled with pride to be here"
Villa, who is just three games short of his 100th appearance for Spain, will slip on the No.7 shirt once again when Lopetegui's team scrap it out with Italy for top spot in Group G at the Bernabéu on 7 September. "It's a game of life or death for Spain and I am ready to give them a hand however the coach wants me to. I am just one more member of this squad although I say humbly that I have achieved great things with the national team. I'm just one more player in this team who has come here filled with pride and with all of the desire and determination in the world to help our team, Spain's national team", he added.
Securing top spot in Group G is paramount
El Guaje did confess that he did feel "a little nervious, but more excited to received this new call-up with Spain. Right now, I'm here just for these two games and after that we'll see what happens. The most important thing of all is that we take all six points from these games because the main objective is making sure we qualify directly for World Cup Russia".