Spanish Legend David Villa set to advise an ISL Franchise

by Arjun Bangde May 6, 2021

Indian football adds World Cup winner and Spanish football legend David Villa to its ever-evolving portfolio. The Golden Boot winner at Euro 2008 joins Indian Super League side Odisha FC as their Global Football Advisor. 

This was confirmed today by the recently appointed president of Odisha FC Raj Athwal, who himself comes with experience of working with reputed European sides like Glasgow Rangers, Coventry City and Watford.

He is very excited to see the future with the DV7 group of football consultancies, Co-founded by David Villa himself. According to Mr Athwal, this new partnership is “a statement of intent for Odisha Football Club, the region, the supporters and, of course, the Indian Super League in general,” he told Sky Sports.

Talking about the 39-year-old Spanish legend, his records are commendable. Alongside his multiple individual accolades, David Villa has won 15 trophies, which includes the FIFA World Cup, a UEFA Champions League title, 4 La Liga titles alongside many others.

He announced his retirement on 13th November 2019 when he played his last match with Vissel Kobe in Japan.

Speaking to the veteran striker about his willingness to be back on the field, he told Sky Sports, “It was the first question of the people of Odisha. I made a decision a year ago to stop playing because I thought that it was the [right] moment, not because I felt that I could not play soccer anymore. I believe if I train, I can play soccer for sure”

“I think I can help the sport of football and the world of football in my position right now more than on the field. I think I made 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.”

Commenting on the partnership, club owner Rohan Sharma tweeted with ecstasy. “Just so everyone is clear, this is not a ceremonial position. David and the DV7 team have been working with us for the past month and getting their hands dirty. Hearing David talk about Indian players in-depth and where they fit into our new system is just crazy!! It also really helps to have coach Gombau be a part of this journey as well. He’s family, and this journey couldn’t happen without him” was his recent tweet.

Just so everyone is clear, this is not a ceremonial position. David and the DV7 team have been working with us for the past month and getting their hands dirty. Hearing David talk about Indian players in-depth and where they fit into our new system is just crazy

— Rohan (@MrRohanSharma) May 6, 2021

Alongside the Indian Super League’s mutual cooperation contract with the English Premier League, the tournament, currently in its 8th year, is getting globalized. The previous season saw the inclusion of City Football Group, the principal owners of Manchester City buy majority stakes at Mumbai City FC, followed by German football’s RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund knotting strategic partnerships with FC Goa and Hyderabad FC respectively.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: FC GOA maiden AFC Champions League journey

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