Mestalla will pay homage to David Villa this Saturday, recognising the achievements of a player who made his mark on Valencia CF during his five seasons at the club. ‘El Guaje’, who scored 129 goals and lifted the 2008 Copa del Rey in that time, will be in attendance for the game against Real Betis, and he spoke to VCF Media in the runup to the tribute.

Returning to Mestalla

“Coming back to Mestalla is always special for me, because of what it means to me as a person, the memories I have from there and how much I enjoyed myself there. To receive a homage from the club and the fans makes me feel very proud.”

What Valencia CF means to him

“The club represents a very important part of my career. It’s where I spent the most time, and on a sporting and personal level it gave me everything. I’m very happy to have made the decision to come here. I will be forever grateful; I’m a Valencianista even when far away, and my memories from here and my affection for the club will last forever.”

Unforgettable moments

“Winning the Copa del Rey. I’ve experienced some very good moments, but that’s the biggest one. Bringing a trophy to as historic a club as Valencia CF is something that makes me very proud, and although I would have liked to have won many more, I have that great memory of the 2008 cup win that will be in my memory forever.”

A Top 3 of goals for Valencia CF

“I couldn’t say. There are many to choose from. Maybe the one from halfway against Deportivo La Coruña, the one at San Siro against Inter from a free kick, and the goals from the crazy knockout tie with Werder Bremen. There are a lot of important goal that I recall, and it’s difficult to pick just one. Maybe the best was one of those that I’ve mentioned.”

The team’s current form

“The team are going through a difficult situation in terms of results right now. I’m always positive about this, as I think that there is still a long way to go this season. The matches are going by, but I believe that there will be a fightback and a reaction. I hope that this comes on Saturday, and that after winning that game the team get on track to achieve all of their targets possible at the end of the season.”

The fans at Mestalla

“Valencia CF’s fans are one of the most important things that the club have, if not the most important. They know when the team need their support, as they do now, and they will always be there in the good times and the bad. I have no doubt about this. In my five years at the club I saw both sides and the fans were always there. I believe that, once again, they will lift the team and will try to help so that the situation changes, so that in the end we achieve what comes first for everybody: The good of Valencia CF.”