Odisha FC announce Spanish legend David Villa as global football advisor

In what might prove to be an instrumental decision in the development of the club and Indian football, Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC announced on Thursday that they have appointed World Cup winner and Spanish legend David Villa as a global football advisor. As per a club statement on Facebook, Villa will spearhead the club’s global football operations. The statement also revealed that former Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau, and Victor Onate will also be part of the club’s Technical Football Committee alongside Villa.

Fans of the Odisha-based club will see the appointment of Villa as a major boost, especially after the side’s dismal performance in the 2020-21 ISL season. Odisha FC finished at the bottom of the table, managing to win only two of the 20 games played and losing 12. The appointment of Villa certainly shows a statement of intent on the club’s side, that they want to rectify the wrongs of the previous season and finish in a stronger position this time around.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Villa, who co-founded the DV7 Group football consultancy five years ago, said that his experience in working alongside some of the biggest names in the world of football can prove to be priceless to Odisha FC. 

“I will try and bring my experience (to the role),” Villa said. “Obviously, I didn’t play in India but I played soccer for 20 years as a professional and before that in the academy. And in all of the projects that we (my team) are involved in, I try to give all of my experience that I have in soccer. I was very lucky to have played with great players, behind me and close to me (and I also played under some) big coaches, amazing coaches. I have played in the big tournaments of football, and I will try and help using all of that experience,” he concluded.

ON THE PITCH AGAIN?

Villa also revealed that Odisha FC were keen on his footballing abilities as well, but he was happy in retirement. “It was the first question of the people of Odisha! I took a decision a year ago to stop playing because I thought that was it was the (right) moment, not because I felt that I cannot play soccer anymore. I believe if I train I can play soccer for sure,” he said.

“But I thought that moment (when I decided to retire) was the right time. As you know, life is not just about soccer I am 39 and I played for 20 years as a soccer player. I think I can help more the sport of football and the world of football in my position right now than on the field. I think I took the right decision because I am very happy now. I miss football a little bit, but I think I can help in the position now more than the things I can do on the field,” he concluded.

The former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker has won 15 trophies in his illustrious playing career, including four La Liga titles, one UEFA Champions League, two Euro Cups and one World Cup. He is regarded as one of the best Spanish strikers in recent history.