Just four hours ago, Odisha FC tweeted about getting a Spain legend to pioneer their global football operations. David Villa will join Odisha FC management soon.
Villa has previously played for major European giants such as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Valencia. He has won the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League during his time playing for Spain.
The former Barcelona striker is therefore one of Spain’s most decorated footballers.
The club hope for a change in their fortune with Villa’s introduction in it.
Odisha FC had a tough campaign in the previous edition of India’s top-tier football league, Indian Super League.
Mumbai City won the 2020-21 title, whereas Odisha finished last of all 11 teams on the table.
now, after David Villa will join Odisha FC management, Odisha may expect better results in coming seasons.
Former Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau and Victor Onate will also join the club’s Technical Football Committee, along with Villa.
Odisha’s Words
Rohan Sharma, CEO of Odisha FC said: “It’s crazy to think that when I started watching football I used to see David, on my TV.”
“Now together we are trying to help grow football in Odisha,” he continued, clearly thrilled about the development.
Club President Mr. Raj Athwal stated: “David’s arrival is a statement of intent for Odisha Football Club, the region, the supporters and, of course, the Indian Super League in general.”
Vishal K Dev IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha also added a few words of welcome.
“(Villa) won the Euros and the World Cup with Spain, and La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona, and we are hoping he will bring that formula to Odisha FC which will see Odisha FC hopefully make it to the top of the ISL table next year,” he said.
Villa’s Words
“I will try and bring my experience [to the role],” Villa said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News. To read his statement word-for-word, click here!
“Obviously, I didn’t play in India but I played soccer for 20 years as a professional and before that in the academy,” he continued. “And in all of the projects that we [my team] are involved in, I try to give all of my experience that I have in soccer.”
When Villa was asked if he was tempted to come out of retirement and play in the ISL, Villa said: “It was the first question of the people of Odisha!”
He explained: “I took a decision a year ago to stop playing because I thought that was it was the [right] moment, not because I felt that I cannot play soccer anymore. I believe if I train I can play soccer for sure.”
