Spain World Cup winner buys new club… and thousands of Brits are expected to go and watch
DAVID VILLA has bought a Spanish football club – and thousands of Brits are expected to go and watch.
The 2010 World Cup winner, 41, retired in 2020 after a short stint with Vissel Kobe in Japan.
But now he has turned to ownership.
His DV7 Group – which also has New York-based Queensboro FC in its portfolio – is managed by the former forward alongside business partner Victor Onate.
And they have teamed up to purchase Racing Club de Futbol Benidorm.
The club – one of the two clubs formed when CF Benidorm folded in 2017 – currently play in the Preferente division and are aiming to get promoted to the fifth tier of Spanish football.
Villa’s offer which will see him become the majority shareholder was accepted by Jose Santiago Lopez.
The deal is expected to be confirmed and made official with a presentation next Tuesday.
Villa, who has academies in New York, San Diego, Tokyo and Puerto Rico, has long-term visions for the new project.
And it could well see plenty of Brits flock to watch the team in action.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Benidorm is a popular holiday spot – and football fans making the trip could tie in a visit to watch Benidorm in action.
Villa came through the academy at Sporting Gijon and had spells with Real Zaragoza and Valencia before joining Barcelona in 2010.
In three seasons, he scored 48 goals and won eight trophies including two LaLiga crowns, the Champions League and the Club World Cup.
The forward then joined Atletico Madrid, Melbourne City, New York City and Vissel Kobe.
On the international stage, he earned 98 caps, managing 59 goals including crucial strikes on the way to Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup glory.