Villa in goals again as Valencia start with a swagger

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

MADRID (AFP) — Spain's European championship hero David Villa celebrated his contract extension at Valencia with a goal as his side routed Real Mallorca 3-0 on Saturday.

Villa, top-scorer at Euro 2008, was the subject of intense interest from Real Madrid in the summer but signed a new deal at Valencia until 2014 and struck on 34 minutes as he continued his purple patch in front of goal.

"We showed the Valencia of last year (that finished 10th in the league) is a thing of the past," said Villa.

"The club wanted to keep me and I feel comfortable here so it is all fine. It is just nice to get back to scoring goals."

Juan Mata added a second three minutes later and Vicente struck late on to give new coach Unai Emery a winning start and help Valencia...