New York City FC striker David Villa has been named in the latest Spain squad by manager Julen Lopetegui, three years after announcing his international retirement.
The 35-year-old quit international football after the 2014 World Cup, having scored 59 goals in 97 appearances for La Roja. However, Lopetegui has named him in his 26-man panel for Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Italy and Liechtenstein.
Since moving to Major League Soccer in 2015, the striker has scored 60 goals in 87 league appearances for NYCFC, being named the MLS MVP in 2016. Villa replaces Diego Costa in the squad, with the Chelsea frontman yet to play this season due to an ongoing transfer dispute with Blues boss Antonio Conte regarding a move to Atletico Madrid.
