It’s an international break special…
Not for the first time, our media roundup kicks off with some David Villa-related goodness.
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, you’ll now know that El Guaje has eanred his first recall to the Spanish National Team since he joined NYCFC for our inaugural season.
It’s news which has made waves on these shores and in Europe as a true legend of the game returns to represent the nation he conquered the world with.
Villa has been discussing his callup with the Spanish media ahead of games against Italy and Liechtenstein, as reported in Marca.
David said: "I'm living on cloud nine seeing all of my friends and teammates and recalling all of the great memories but I'm also living in the present," Villa told reporters.
"My role, as always, will be to help the team win and put all that I have into benefiting the national team. The coach is the one who decides if I will play but I'll give everything to help.
"For me, it won't be a disappointment if I don't play though. Whatever is decided, I'll be supporting the team to the fullest."
READ: This Week at #NYCFCHouse – 8/30 – 9/6
Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata has also spoken on the recall and has welcomed back the great man in the best possible way.
According to Goal.com, Morata said: “The no.7 belongs to David Villa.”
For context, over the last two years, the former Real Madrid forward has been wearing the no.7 jersey.
Spain’s National Team Manager Julen Lopetegui was the man who decided to bring Villa back into the fold and he’s been discussing that decision with reporters in Madrid.
“We have always said that we do not close the door to anyone and we have always followed David [Villa]," Lopetegui explained.
"Spain understands that at this moment it was necessary for him to return and we know that he will help us."
"What he can contribute is what he has always been able to; quality, intuition and a will and desire to compete that will put him at the service of the team.”
Word.
Finally, #NYCFCHouse has been making headlines as the media gets to grips with our first-ever pop-up shop in the Meatpacking District.
The space opens to the public on Thursday August 31 (tomorrow, at the time of writing) and Front Row Soccer are all over it.
Read their take on #NYCFCHouse here and find out what’s going on there this week here.
READ: Tito Puente Jr. to Perform National Anthem for Hispanic Heritage Night
