David Villa rules out Sporting Gijon loan switch

Fresh after being named the MLS most valuable player for 2016, David Villa has dismissed suggestions he could sign for La Liga strugglers Sporting Gijon on loan.

Villa, who began his playing career at Sporting before developing into one of Spain’s best-ever goalscorers, was named MVP in MLS this season after leading New York City FC to the MLS conference semi finals in his second season at the club.

With the 35-year-old now free until the 2017 MLS season starts in March, there had been suggestions the NYCFC captain could return to Spain on a loan when the January transfer window opens.

It was claimed by El Mundo Deportivo that Sporting were keen to pursue the idea of bringing Villa back to the club after a 13-year absence to help them fend off relegation, but the Spanish striker has cooled talk about a return to El Molinon.

“I am under contract [with NYCFC] for another year. No one has contacted me,” Villa told Cadena Cope. “It really makes no sense because the transfer window opens in Spain on Jan. 1 and I begin pre-season training with New York City FC on Jan 21.

“I will go to Spain on Dec. 16 for the holidays but will return to New York on Jan. 8 because my children have to go back to school."

Villa finished the 2016 MLS campaign with 23 goals and four assists to his name in 35 appearances. Only Toronto FC striker Sebastian Giovinco (12) has won more WhoScored Man of the Match awards than Villa (9).

For more stats on David Villa, click here to visit his WhoScored player page