Spanish football legend David Villa has joined the Football Committee of Indian Super League team Odisha FC. This was announced by the Bhubaneswar-based club through a press release today. A member of the 2010 World Cup winning Spain team, Villa will function as a technical advisor and head of global football operations of the club.

Besides Villa, former Odisha FC Head Coach Josep Gombau and Victor Onate have joined in the Football Committee as part of the DV7 Group. Their role includes advising the coaching staff, improving the Indian and youth players, providing general support to the on field activities among others.


After joining Odisha FC Football Committee, Villa said, "I will try to bring my experience. Obviously, I did not play in India but I played soccer for 20 years as a professional and before that in the academy. And in all of the projects that we (my team) are involved in, I try to give all of my experience that I have in soccer."

Speaking about the development, OFC CEO Rohan Sharma said, "It is an absolute pleasure to welcome David Villa and the DV7 group to the Odisha FC family. Together we are trying to help football grow in Odisha. Together we are going to find the best players, coaches, and staff for the club."

Club President Raj Athwal mentioned, "The arrival of David is a statement of intent for Odisha Football Club, the region, the supporters and, of course, the Indian Super League in general."

Welcoming the new association, Vishal K Dev, Principal Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha said, "He won the Euros and the World Cup with Spain, and La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona, and we are hoping he will bring that formula to Odisha FC which will see Odisha FC hopefully make it to the top of the ISL table next year."