Villa still in high spirits

Striker still has outside chance of making final

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 27th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Villa still in high spirits

Villa: Not ruled out yet

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David Villa preferred to focus on Spain's success rather than his own disappointment after learning that he was set to miss the Euro 2008 final.

The Valencia striker was forced out of Spain's 3-0 victory over Russia on Wednesday after picking up an injury in the 34th minute.

Luis Aragones later revealed that Villa would not play in Sunday's showpiece against Germany due to a thigh strain.

Aragones has since stated that he will await further assessment before ruling Villa out altogether.

Villa admits it was upsetting not to play a major part in the semi-final but he is looking forward to the weekend and hopes to celebrate a Spanish victory.

Happy

"I injured myself first of all while sprinting, but the pain got worse and it went when I took the free-kick," Villa told reporters.

"At the start I was really upset because I knew it was going to be very difficult to play in the final if we got there. But after the way the team played in the second half I cheered up and now am really happy despite everything.

"I just want to enjoy Sunday and celebrate winning the European Championship with everyone else.

"This is an achievement for the whole squad and we want to take the glory on Sunday."

If Villa does not recover in time for the final his place could be taken by Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, who impressed off the bench against Russia.