Villa shocked by Robinho move

Valencia striker surprised by Brazilian's switch

Last updated: 4th September 2008

David Villa Valencia

Villa: Grateful to Valencia

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David Villa has insisted he would 'never do to Valencia what Robinho has done to Real Madrid'.

Real were eager to sign Villa over the summer but the striker committed his future to Valencia by signing a new long-term deal at the Mestalla.

The Spanish champions made a late move for Villa on transfer deadline day following Robinho's dramatic switch to Manchester City.

City were also understood to have lodged a bid with Valencia for Villa, but the player maintains he was happy to stay put

The 26-year-old admits he was surprised to learn of Robinho's sudden departure from Real.

He told AS: "I would never do to Valencia what Robinho has done to Madrid, because I'm grateful to the club for everything they have done for me.

"I don't want to criticise Robinho because I don't know his situation, but I wouldn't have done it."

Happy at Valencia

Villa was linked with many of Europe's top sides after topping the goalscoring charts at Euro 2008 but he claims he never had any intention of leaving Valencia.

He left the club to deal with the entire transfer saga, and says the fact they chose not to sell him despite their financial difficulties showed him how much he was worth to his employers.

"I was never going to force Valencia to let me go," he explained.

"I feel great here, I owe so much to Valencia and it was always the club's decision. I stayed out of the way."