New York City striker David Villa has ruled out a return to Barcelona in the MLS off-season.
Villa, 33, spent three successful years at Barcelona before leaving in 2013 and he’s recently emerged as a supposed target of the La Liga champions as they look to strengthen their thin offensive line.
However, the former Spain international has ruled out a return to his former club and revealed he’s received plenty of offers since it became impossible to make the play-offs with NYCFC.
“I’m getting calls from everywhere ever since they found out we cannot be [mathematically] in the playoffs,” Villa told Levante TV.
“They make the hypothesis that I will be loaned out. But I don’t think that would be the decision for the club, they will want me to rest.
“I have a three-year contract in New York and they are expecting a lot from me and there is much I want to give to them as well. To return to Europe is not really an option right now.”
NYCFC have endured a disappointing maiden campaign as a MLS franchise, but Villa has been their best player by a distance. In fact, only two players have scored more goals in the entire competition this season than Villa (17).
For more stats on David Villa, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
