David Villa revealed his pride following today’s recall to the Spain National Team.
His nation’s record goalscorer, David ends a three-year absence from the international game, earning the call-up on the strength of last year’s MVP award and 19 goals so far this term.
Speaking to NYCFC.com following Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Red Bulls, the captain paid tribute to his teammates and revealed his excitement at being back in the mix for the country he won the FIFA World Cup with in 2010, as well as the UEFA European Championships in 2008.
Villa said: “I don’t have words. It’s great for me, for the club, for everybody.
"One week ago, I thought going into the national team was a dream and now I am in the dream, so I am so happy representing NYCFC to the national team again. Today, I tried to rest, to see my family, because after the news, I haven’t seen my family yet, and try to enjoy.
“I will give everything, like I always did when I went to the national team, and try to enjoy this day, because it’s really good for me."
READ: Vieira on NYCFC 1-1 Red Bulls
What does this call-up say about MLS? For David, it's a sign that the league is improving all the time.
Villa continued: “I think it’s good, I think it’s good for everybody. I understand that the league is changing, that the league is great, the level is, step by step, growing, and it’s great for me, for the club, for MLS, for everybody.
“I try to enjoy when I’m representing Spain, my country, my team, my league.
“It’s great for me, of course, not only to be playing the games but to see all the friends I have there. All the soccer players, the staff, the medical staff, everybody in the training facility."
David's Spain side take on Liechtenstein and Italy in next month’s qualifiers as they look to secure qualification for the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Currently joint-top of their group along with the Azzurri, they are two important games for La Rojas as they seek to improve upon their group stage exit in 2014.
For Villa, it's all about taking it step by step and doing all he can to ensure Spain are at the tournament next year.
He continued: “I need to be thinking about, step by step, trying to do my best for the national team to win these two games.
"Spain is not in the World Cup yet because we need the qualification, so we’ll try. I’ll try to help, first of all, with qualification, and let’s see in the future. I need to enjoy the present. I don’t need to think about the future or the past.”
