David Villa returns to Barcelona after injury
After eight months on sidelines, Barcelona ace shows no signs of rust in demolition of Sociedad
Barcelona forward David Villa said his injury troubles were behind him after celebrating his return from an eight-month lay-off by scoring in a 5-1 rout of Real Sociedad in their La Liga opener.
Spain's all-time leading scorer, with 51 goals, broke his left leg at the Club World Cup last December and missed the national team's Euro 2012 triumph as he continued his recovery. He replaced Pedro in the 74th minute to a huge Camp Nou ovation and swept a shot inside the far post, after a pullback from Andres Iniesta, to crown his return with six minutes left.
"It has been a difficult time and it is nice to be back," Villa said.
"I can forget about the injury now. I have had five weeks' training at the maximum level but my body still struggles to reach the levels necessary to play more minutes. I'll keep on working until I can eventually play a full game again."
Villa, 30, peeled away to celebrate, pulling off his shirt to reveal a vest with "Impossible without you" written on it above a photo of his wife and children.
"Because of me, I am sure it has been a difficult time for them as well," he said in reference to his dedication.
Barca midfielder Xavi led the tributes as soon as the game finished.