According to LA NUEVA ESPAÑA, David Villa unveiled a bust of himself at the headquarters of the Asturian Football Federation in Gijón, stating that the sculpture represents all of Asturian football.

David Villa has cemented his place among the legendary players of Asturian football. The striker from Tuilla, who is also Spain's all-time leading international goalscorer with 59 goals, unveiled his bust at the federation headquarters on Thursday. Representatives from Sporting Gijón, Real Oviedo, UP Langreo, and Unión Popular de Langreo attended the ceremony. Villa stated, "I hope this event is dedicated to all of Asturian football, and to all the Asturian players who have brought so much success to our country."

The sculpture was created by Langreo-based sculptor José Luis Iglesias Luelmo, who donated his work to the federation and attended the unveiling ceremony. This is not the first time the artist has created a lasting tribute to "El Guaje"; he previously sculpted another Villa bust, which was placed by the Langreo City Council in the center of La Felguera.

The event brought together two major representatives of Asturian football. Sporting Gijón was represented by its president, José L. García, and vice president, Joaquín Alonso. Real Oviedo's representatives included vice president Manuel Paredes, as well as club legend and head of external relations, Carlos Muñoz. Langreo president Adrián Torre also attended the ceremony.

Federation president José Ramón Cuetos Lobo hosted the event. He thanked Villa and the federation's sponsors and partners, who were also honored that day. Among them, LA NUEVA ESPAÑA, the only media sponsor present, also received recognition.

José Ramón Cuetos Lobo smiled and said, "Perhaps one or two Asturian players won't be happy, but once another Asturian player scores this many goals, we'll erect another statue next to his." He also revealed that the federation is preparing "something big" with Villa, with details to be announced soon.

"The Bust Represents All of Asturian Football"

Villa began his speech with humor. He thanked Iglesias Luelmo "for yet another of his works, as he did in Langreo," and joked about the statue's appearance: "After seeing this bust, I realized I'm much better looking than in real life, which isn't saying much."

Villa emphasized that the bronze bust carries collective memory. He stated, "I don't want to take all the credit for myself. Perhaps I stand here because I'm Spain's all-time leading international goalscorer, but I've always represented all Asturian players." He noted that this honor includes those who have worn Spain's national team jersey, Asturias' regional team jersey, and those who have made Asturian football great.

Villa also mentioned Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla. He said, "In many of those goals, I was fortunate to have remarkable Asturian teammates, and many of those 59 goals were assisted by them. I hope people see Asturian players as a whole, not just David Villa."

Reflecting on his early career, Villa mentioned two clubs that shaped him. First, Unión Popular de Langreo, where he began playing at age 8 and "developed as a player and as a person." Then came Sporting Gijón, "the best team in Asturias," which recognized his talent and brought him into professional football, where he played for two and a half years with the senior team. Villa stated, "Both of these clubs are largely responsible for the David Villa I became, both as a player and as a person."

Villa said that wherever he goes, he "proudly carries the flag of Asturias," even in celebratory gestures like "clinking cider glasses in the traditional manner." He said, "Whether I wore the jersey of Barça, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, or Zaragoza, David Villa was born, grew up, and honed my skills on the fields of Asturias."

He also specifically mentioned his family. His parents often took him to matches at Unión Popular de Langreo and Sporting Gijón, and his sister always accompanied him. His wife Patricia and their children could not attend due to travel constraints but were represented by Patricia's parents and siblings. Villa concluded with a hope: "I hope that if someone one day surpasses me, it will be an Asturian, a player who grew up in Asturias, as I was fortunate to do."

Jersey, Membership Card, and Oviedo's Jest

Langreo also reciprocated Villa's affection with a gift. President Adrián Torre presented him with his old club jersey and a membership card. This was also a tribute to someone who helped the club resolve its significant debt issues a few months earlier.

The lightest moment came from Carlos Muñoz. The Oviedo legend looked at Villa and said, "You know, you could still play. Oviedo needs a number 9—wouldn't you like to come?" Villa's visit also served as a prelude to Spain's national team's arrival, as they will face the Czech Republic on Saturday.

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