Spain’s all-time top scorer David Villa has come out of international retirement after being named in the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Liechtenstein, national team coach Julen Lopetegui said on Friday.
New York City FC striker Villa, who hit a record 59 goals with Spain, announced his retirement from the national team after the 2014 World Cup, having scored in his final game against Australia as the then world champions were knocked out in the group stages in Brazil.
OFICIAL | Lista de la @SeFutbol para los partidos ante @Vivo_Azzurro y Liechtenstein / Spain’s call up #SEFlive pic.twitter.com/BjlGCWqyM5
Villa takes the place of Diego Costa, who has not linked up with Chelsea for the new season due to a dispute with coach Antonio Conte, while AC Milan midfielder Suso has earned a first call up.
Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso was left out of the squad despite Lopetegui going to watch him in action against Tottenham Hotspur last week.
READ MORE (Gears Of Biz)
- Record Scorer Villa Gets First Spain Call-Up Since 2014U.S. News & World Report
- Record scorer Villa gets first Spain call-up since 2014 World CupThe Daily Star
- Reborn David Villa feeling alive in MLS after return to Spain squadDaily Mail
- Villa's Spain recall more evidence that MLS won't doom international hopesESPN FC (blog)
- Villa's shock Spain return cheers GuardiolaAOL UK
- Spain call up New York City's David Villa three years after last appearanceThe Guardian
- MLS superstar David Villa gets recalled to Spain national team at 35 years oldCBSSports.com
- When MLS Doesn't Brake for International BreakEmpire Of Soccer
- Villa makes shock return to Spain squad for World Cup qualifiersGhana News Agency
