David Villa: "Asensio is doing enough to start for Spain"
The New York City FC striker spoke about his return to La Roja after three years, as well as Real Madrid's Marco Asensio, and the new generation of players.
David Villa spoke to the press following his return to the Spanish national team after three years. The New York City FC forward discussed his return to the international fold, the role he will play, and the rise of man-of-the-moment Marco Asensio.
Villa happy to help Lopetegui
How it feels to be back: "I’m on cloud nine. I’m really happy to see all of my friends again, not just players. I have great memories from here."
Role with La Roja: "The same as always. To help, to be one more, and to give everything I’ve got for a win against Italy. It is down to the coach, and I’m going to give my all to help however he wants."
A new generation: "Young players have arrived, each one [playing] at their clubs. I think that after we won the World Cup, everyone said that it would be difficult to continue the run, and it can seem like what comes after doesn’t have as much value. But you have to let things work, look at the quality in the squad, and have patience. I hope that we’ll have another glorious era."
"We're going to enjoy Asensio for years to come"
Marco Asensio: "You just have to look at him to enjoy him, and we’re going to enjoy him for years to come. He’s doing more than enough to be a starter."
Playing in the MLS: "I try to vindicate myself every day. I try to train well and prepare myself for the next match. There are differences in the number of games, but I try to do the same with everything else. It doesn’t matter to me what league it is, and if the manager has given me the call, I would imagine he likes what he has seen."
A starting berth: "I wouldn’t be disappointed if I don’t start. I’m having a marvelous few days. It’s been three years since I last came here and I have to win it [a starting role] myself, what has happened before doesn’t matter. I hope the coach sees that I can do it."
