News
THU 28.05.2015
New York was the scene of the presentation of two big signings who have joined La Liga’s project for international expansion: Raúl González and David Villa. The league’s president Javier Tebas, Valencia CF executive president Amadeo Salvo, who was representing Spanish clubs, and Nacho Martínez Trujillo, director of La Liga’s Strategic Projects, delivered Villa and Raúl two honourary plaques that distinguish them as Global Ambassadors of La Liga.
Juan Ramón Martínez Sainz, general counsel of Spain in New York, and Ángel Martín Acebes, chief adviser to the Economic and Commercial Office for Spain in New York, were some of the other distinguished guests at the event, as well as Valencia CF legend Mario Kempes, now a sports commentator in the United States.Smiling and sharing jokes that spoke of their close relationship, the two players, who were in their time two of the best players in La Liga, expressed their pride at the recognition: “I’m delighted to receive this post. La Liga is growing for the best and we can all feel it,”said Raúl, who is still scoring goals, now for NY Cosmos.
David Villa plays for the other team in New York, NY City FC. “It is an honour to be named ambassador to promote my country around the world. Everyone knows about the Liga here and it’s growth is incredible,”said El Guaje.
Javier Tebas highlighted the importance of the agreement, appealing to the two players’human facets as well as their sporting abilities.
He said: “Profesional football doesn’t just need records, it also needs values. You are ambassadors because of the success you have had and because of your success and the capacity for sacrifice and hard work you have always shown. We are counting on you to spread the word about La Liga.”
Figures back up Tebas’words, as Raúl played 550 games in La Liga with Real Madrid, scoring 228 goals. David Villa meanwhile scored 184 goals in 352 games with Real Sporting, Real Zaragoza, Valencia CF, FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid.
© LALIGA - 2015