David Villa was close to joining Tottenham, says father

Jose Manuel Villa, David Villa’s father revealed that his son wanted to stay in Spain so he preferred La Liga side Atletico over Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur, even though Diego Simeone’s side paid less (£4.4m) than what North-London team offered (£8m).

“Until Atletico made its appearance, his plan was to play abroad,” said Jose Manuel Villa

“Barca wasn’t counting on him, and we have to be grateful for the club’s help in making his leaving so trouble-free.”

“We thought that his time in Spain was up, but when Atlético came on the scene, his enthusiasm came right back.”

“My family and I are delighted that he is staying in Spain. Atletico is a different type of club that you can’t help but like,” Villa Sr. concluded.

Source: The Express