David Villa, Spain’s all-time leading goalscorer, has officially announced that he will retire after the end of the season in Japan.
The Spaniard currently plays for Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he’s so far managed to score 12 goals in 26 games.
“After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season.”, Villa said in a statement on social media.
“Thank you to all the teams, coaches and team-mates that have allowed me to enjoy this dream career.”
“Thank you to my family, that has always been there to support me through good and hard times. It is my objective to put the cherry on top by winning the Emperor’s Cup with Vissel Kobe on January 1st.”
“From then on, I will continue to enjoy football through all the projects that we’re currently developing with DV7 group. Thank you for all the love.”
David Villa going back to US football
The former Spanish international has already set sights on investing in Queensboro FC in New York, a newly found franchise that will enter the second tier of American football in 2021.
During the course of his 19-year career, Villa played for Atletico Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Melbourne City, New York City, and Vissel Kobe. He’s a 3-time Spanish champion and 3-time Spanish Cup winner, as well as lifting the Champions League with Barcelona in 2011.
David Villa was also the top goalscorer of Euro 2008, Footballer of the Year in Spain in 2006 and MLS MVP for the 2015/16 season. He is Spain’s all-time top scorer with 59 goals in 98 games.
He will have the change to retire, helping his team lift a trophy since the semi-final of the Emperor’s Cup is on December 21st, with the potential final on January 1st, 2020.
