David Villa Rubbishes Exit Talk, Wants To Retire At Barcelona

Barcelona striker David Villa has dismissed all reports linking him to a move away from the Camp Nou as just hearsay, and reiterated his wish to end his career with the Catalan club. Chelsea and Manchester City had been reported with an interest in the former Valencia star after his recent on field success.

Villa wants to finish career at Barca

Villa joined Barcelona from Valencia last season for a fee in the region of 40 million Euros and had a good first season with the Blaugranas, scoring 23 goals in all competitions (including a stunning curler in the Champions League final) as Barcelona romped their way to a League and Champions League Double.

Villa was still a subject of criticism from some corners of supporters after he went through a barren run in October without scoring for a whole month. He was linked with a host of top clubs in the off season, with England heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester City being the forerunners of those looking for his signature.

However, Villa quelled all speculation while talking to the media on Friday. He hoped he would retire at Barcelona after having a glittering career and said that he chose not to listen to any flimsy news doing the rounds in the media.

“All that’s been said hasn’t bothered me because it isn’t rumours or speculation, it’s a lie. Hopefully I can retire at Barca because that would mean everything has been great for me.”

“I would like to have the chance to retire at Barca even though I’m only 29. It would be very nice. I want to be at Barca as long as possible.”

Barcelona have been fairly aggressive in the transfer market this summer, as they always are. They are part of a many-club tussle for the services of Udinese star Alexis Sanchez, for a sum of close to 45 million Euros. Moreover, they are courting former La Masia cadet Cesc Fabregas for the third summer running, but are unwilling to break the bank over the signing of the Spanish midfielder.

Villa spoke glowingly about the duo and said that they would be a definite injection of quality into the side and he would enjoy playing with them immensely.

“They are two very good players at both an individual and collective level, and it would be a big injection of quality for our side.”

It remains to be seen if Villa gets his wish and remains at Barca next season, or if the Catalans decide to offload him to generate funds for further transfers.