Date:03/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/03/stories/2008070353632000.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

Villa happy to stay at Valencia

VALENCIA (Spain): Spain striker David Villa is happy to stay at Valencia despite a European Championship campaign that has made him one of the summer’s top transfer market targets.

“I am very grateful, I am very happy to be here. Of course I’m staying,” Villa told a reported 4,000 fans who turned up on Tuesday to pay tribute to the seven Valencia and Villarreal players who helped Spain win Euro 2008. “I still have several years left on my contract and of course I’d like to stay on for more years than those I have already signed for.”

Despite missing the 1-0 final victory over Germany because of an injury, the 26-year-old Villa led the tournament with four goals scored.

The crowd also urged Valencia midfielder David Silva to stay at the Mestalla after the 22-year-old winger’s impressive performance for the Iberians, who won their first major trophy for 44 years.

“Our wish is that Silva stays as much as Villa. If we had wanted to sell them we would have already because we have offers on the table,” president Agustin Morera said.

Valencia defender Raul Albiol, who featured in victories against Sweden and Greece, will have a street named in honour of him in his native town of Vilamarxant. — AP