David Villa says he is back.
Spain’s all-time top scorer had been enduring a miserable goal drought of late, and had been overshadowed by Diego Costa at Atletico Madrid.
But he exploded back into life last weekend, scoring a brace in Atleti’s 5-0 mauling of Real Betis.
The result put Los Rojiblancos back on the heels of Villa’s old club Barcelona, and put a big smile back on his face.
He was recently hurt by having to pull out of Spain’s World Cup qualifiers, with an ankle injury he says has been the root cause of his dry run in front of goal.
But now that his injury has healed, Villa says he is back to his best for club and country.
“I am happy and not just for [the goals],” Villa told Canal +, as he looked back on his weekend exploits.
“First for the victory for the team, and then for feeling good.
“My goals were going to come. I am recovering from some fitness issues, with my ankle under control, and being good on the pitch.
“My CV is there, whoever wants to can study it. When you go through physical problems you cannot perform at 100 percent. For example, I adore the national team, but I had to -- on this one occasion -- say no to a call-up.”
Deemed surplus to requirements at Barca, Villa says he is thriving at the Calderon now. And has thanks Atleti manager Diego Simeone for believing in his abilities.
“Even before signing, he [Simeone] was already supporting me,” Villa said.
“He wanted me here and I appreciate that. I have a task on the pitch and I try and do that as well as possible. I am happy to repay his confidence with goals.