Wed Jul 2 12:08:43 2008

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Villa doesn't plan to leave Valencia

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Valencia, Spain (Sports Network) - Chelsea and Liverpool hoped to lure David Villa to the Premier League, but the striker revealed he is happy to stay at Valencia in Spain's La Liga.

The two clubs were reportedly set to go head-to-head in a nearly $50 million tug-of-war for the four-goal Euro 2008 Golden Boot winner following his starring role in Spain's success in Austria and Switzerland.

Valencia's struggles last season when it narrowly avoided relegation from Spain's La Liga had heightened speculation that he would seek a transfer during the close season.

However, Villa claims he is happy to stay at the Mestalla and is not seeking a move to England.

"I've always felt the affection of the fans and it is something that fills me with pride," he told AS. "I am happy with my current contract and I am very happy in Valencia."

Meanwhile, Valencia president Agustin Morera has revealed his intention to keep both Villa and highly-rated Spain teammate David Silva at the club this summer.

"Our desire is to keep both Villa and Silva. If we had wanted to we could have sold them because we have offers on the table," he said. "Our interest is for them to stay. That is our dream and to make a great team."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)