Valencia striker Villa drops Barcelona hint

Valencia striker Villa drops Barcelona hint

Spain's David Villa (C) passes England's Ashley Cole (L) to score during their friendly international soccer match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, February 11, 2009.

MADRID, March 17-- Valencia striker David Villa dropped a hint on Tuesday that he would be happy to sign for FC Barcelona next season.

With Valencia owing 400 million euros in debt, the club will almost certainly have to sell its star player over the summer in order to survive and several clubs are showing interest in Villa.


Valencia's David Villa (R) argues with referee Alfonso Perez Burrull during their Spanish First Division soccer match against Deportivo Coruna in Coruna February 22, 2009.

The Spain international has netted 18 Primera Liga goals this season. Real Madrid and Manchester City are following developments, while Barcelona is also rumoured to be keen on Villa.

Speaking in El Mundo Deportivo, Villa admitted that he enjoys the way that Barcelona is playing.

"I watched their Champions League game against Olympique Lyon (Barcelona won 5-2) and the first half hour was spectacular. It was the sort of thing that you don't see in football these days," he said.

"Only Barcelona does that and nobody else, it is really enjoyable watching the way they combine skill, power and the ability to score goals."

"I feel a healthy envy about the football they play. Everyone likes Barcelona's style of playing," said Villa.


Valencia's David Villa (R) looks at Malaga's goalkeeper Inaki Goitia during their Spanish first division soccer match at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia February 14, 2009.
(Xinhua)