New York City FC striker David Villa rules out Sporting Gijon loan
New York City FC captain David Villa has denied claims he will return to hometown club Sporting Gijon to play on loan in the New Year.
El Mundo Deportivo recently claimed that La Liga side Sporting are considering strengthening their attacking line by bringing back former Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker Villa on a two-month contract during the winter transfer market.
The 35-year-old, who began his playing career at Sporting, has just completed his second season with NYCFC and told Cadena Cope: "I am under contract for another year. No one has contacted me.
"It really makes no sense because the transfer window opens in Spain on Jan. 1 and I begin preseason training with New York City FC on Jan. 21.
"I will go to Spain on Dec. 16 for the holidays but will return to New York on Jan. 8 because my children have to go back to school."
Villa scored 41 goals in 85 appearances in all competitions for Sporting before joining Zaragoza in the summer of 2003.
Sporting have endured a difficult start to La Liga with just three victories in their 14 games this season.
They are in 18th place and in the relegation zone.
The Spaniard has enjoyed an impressive campaign and was named Major League Soccer's MVP for the season on Tuesday after scoring 23 goals to help NYCFC finish second in the Eastern Conference and qualify for the playoffs for the first time.
He beat New York Red Bulls teammates Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips for the award.
Villa received an average of nearly 26 percent of the vote, while Golden Boot winner Wright-Phillips had almost 19.3 percent, with Kljestan receiving 17.6.
"I'm thrilled to have received this award," Villa said. "It's a very important recognition as you need to get the highest votes from not only the players of the league, but also the coaches and a select group of journalists."
Villa hopes that his strong season in MLS could open the doors for Spain coach Julen Lopetegui to give him the opportunity to play for the national team again.
The former Valencia and Barcelona star remains Spain's all-time leading goal scorer with 59 goals in 97 appearances.
Villa, a Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup winner, has not played for the national team since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"I haven't spoken to Julen but I think when he came to see me play [in October] he was happy with what he saw," Villa said. "I am hopeful that I can play again for Spain but I know it's going to be very difficult.
"The reality is that there are many great strikers out there and Julen has a lot to choose from. But you never lose hope. I've achieved great things in my career but what I'm most proud of is to have represented my country."
