Barcelona striker Villa will not celebrate scoring against Valencia

Barcelona striker David Villa has promised not to celebrate if he scores against former club Valencia later this month.

For Spain ace Villa the match will be an emotional one as it pits him against the club where he spent the past five years before his big-money move to Barca this summer.

"It's very special for me because that's the team where I've been very happy for the last five years," he said.

"It brings back very good memories. I'm happy to be facing them, especially being able to see all the friends I have there and to be able to enjoy their company even if it's just one day," said Villa, who admits Los Che have played a crucial part in his career.

"My first steps were at Sporting (Gijon), then I played at Zaragoza but the club that have given me everything football-wise has been Valencia.

"In those five years I've been able to play for the national team, play in the Champions League, I've been able to fight for many titles, I've one won and there's no doubt that those five years have been the most important of my life. Thanks to them I'm at Barca."

That does not mean Villa will not try and find the back of the net against Unai Emery's table-toppers though, but the 28-year-old says he will keep his celebrations under wraps.

"I will try to score. I'm a professional and I'm defending Barca's colours but it's the same as against Sporting," he added on his club's website.

"I have a great deal of affection for Valencia and in respect to all the people there and for all those who have made me better, I will not celebrate."

 
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