Valencia re-signs David Villa

Valencia re-signed striker David Villa to a six-year deal on Wednesday.

Villa, 26, had been linked to move to rival Real Madrid or to a team in the Barclays Premier League before re-signing with the Primera Liga club.

“We announce today that David Villa and Valencia will remain together for many years to come,” Valencia president Vicente Soriano said. “The best striker in Europe is staying at Valencia.”

Villa has scored 70 goals over his previous three campaigns with Valencia and helped the club win the Copa del Rey last season.

“It is a very happy day for me,” Villa said. “In the last month and a half, lots of things have happened around me that I have not experienced before.

“I want to thank Valencia for this gesture. I am very grateful to this club for what they have given me and I hope to continue to give good performances.”

The Spanish striker helped lead his country to the Euro 2008 title, while winning the Golden Boot award with four goals.