Villa rules out Prem switch

25 June 2009 17:41
Valencia striker David Villa has ruled out the possibility of moving to England this summer. The Spain international has become the subject of intense transfer speculation of late, with a host of clubs rumoured to be in the running to land his signature. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona were believed to be leading that chase, with Manchester United and Chelsea providing Premier League interest. A switch to Real appeared to a formality at one stage, only for cash-strapped Valencia to then claim that they had no intention of selling the striker to any of his potential suitors. That has done little to prevent rumours from circulating, though, with Villa still regarded as one of Europe's hottest properties. The player himself is keen to see an end to the distracting episode, and has promised to make an announcement on his future shortly, but he has confirmed that whatever happens he wants to remain in his homeland. "A week ago my future was clear, and now it's not," Villa told Cuatro. "I've been through some tough moments, which are partly my own fault, but I decided to put it all aside and I've not thought about it in the last five days." Villa recently claimed that he had already decided where he intended to play next season, and on that subject he added: "When I said I had taken a decision it was true, and this decision is that next season I will play in Spain because it is the league that is best for me, I will not go abroad."

Source: SKY_Sports