Former
Barcelona striker David Villa is unequivocal in his support of his old club ahead of the Clasico with
Real Madrid on Sunday.
“I hope Barcelona will win,” he told
Goal. “Barcelona’s strikeforce is better than Madrid’s. Lionel Messi is better than Ronaldo, and I want Barca to win.
“It’s a really important match for both teams just after the Champions League and it’s come at a great time in La Liga.”
With 11 Liga matches left this season, table-topping Barcelona are
one point clear of Madrid, having trailed their rivals by four points
earlier in the campaign. Last season’s champions Atletico are a distant
fourth, nine points off the summit.
Villa turned out for Atletico following his spell at Barcelona. It
has been argued that the Rojiblancos are suffering because of economics,
having sold Diego Costa and Filipe Luis in the summer.
But Villa does not think that the financial disparity between the
Clasico duo and the rest of Spain’s top flight is anything unusual.
“I don’t think it is uncompetitive, no. Yes, Real Madrid and
Barcelona are much bigger than the other clubs in La Liga. But last year
Atletico won the league and this year they are still competitive, as
are Valencia.
“They’re really close to that level thanks to good coaching and good
players. So I don’t think it’s that bad at all and, anyway, you get
richer clubs everywhere.”
The former Spain international, 33, now plays for Major League
Soccer’s New York City FC in the United States. He is one of two major
marquee signings, with the arrival of Frank Lampard – who Villa
describes as a ‘legend’ – delayed by an extended loan at parent club
Manchester City.
“I’m really pleased to be here in New York,” Villa added. “I’m living
here to play football, and that is going really well, and it’s an
interesting city too.
“Frank Lampard is a legend in football, a really amazing player and
I’m sure that when he arrives we’ll combine well. I’m looking forward to
it.”
There have been reports that another world-class midfielder will join
New York’s ranks in the near future, with Villa’s former Barcelona
team-mate Xavi linked with a move to MLS.
Villa, who scored on his home debut at Yankee Stadium last Sunday,
praised his old colleague but remained tight-lipped on the prospect of
reuniting with the World Cup winning Spaniard.
“Xavi is a great player but there are other really good players that
the club could be interested in,” he admitted. “The club will make
whichever decision is best for us, but he is a wonderful player.”
Title : sports - David Villa backs Barcelona to win Clasico
Description : Former Barcelona striker David Villa is unequivocal in his support of his old club ahead of the Clasico with Real Madrid on Sunday. “I...