Villa: I Want To Stay At Valencia

[Pat Murphy]

Villa: I Want To Stay At Valencia

David Villa has announced that he hopes to stay at Valencia and help the club back to the top after fans let him know that they did not want him to leave this summer.

The Spain striker joined his Ché and Villarreal international team-mates on the balcony of the Valencia town hall to celebrate their part in Spain's European Championships victory.

Amid chants of 'Villa don't go' the striker explained that he did not want to leave, despite all the interest in him from some of Europe's major clubs.

"I am very grateful and I am very happy here. I hope to stay here. The president should be thanked for wanting to keep the best playres and to make a great team," he explained.

"I have always felt wanted by the fans and I have several years left on my contract and want to see them out."

Club president, Agustín Morera, reiterated that Valencia were prepared to whatever they could to fend off the interested parties after hearing the fans plead for Villa not to be sold.

"I heard it perfectly. We had offers last year, we have had more this year and we continue to receive them. Our plan is to keep him and we will try and do this," he added.

Raúl Albiol has been honoured for his part in Spain's victory after having a street named after him by the Villamarchante council, the town where he was born.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Villa: I Want To Stay At Valencia

No one saw that coming. Although if a great offer comes in I think Valencia might try and sell him.