Valencia president Manuel Llorente has spoken out to defend David Villa from the recent criticism.

Speaking to AS, he said: "We want to express that for the club and our fans, Villa is a very important player,

"He has never asked to leave Valencia and it was in fact Valencia who proposed to him that he could be included in the sale of some of our players."

Villa's Los Che exit has been on the rumour mill for some time, and the 27-year-old has consequently drawn flak from fans.

The Spanish hitman had been linked with Spanish giants duo Real Madrid and Barcelona, with Real touted to be favourites to get his signature.

Previous reports had stated that ‘El Guaje' was desperate for a Valencia exit to join one of the big two in Spain.

With a Mestella return imminent, Valencia are rallying behind their star striker, who has been 'undoubtedly' loyal.

Former CEO Javier Gomez clarified that he was the one who informed Villa that his transfer could be on the cards should the club receive an interesting offer.

"Villa's response was that he was very comfortable [at Valencia] but if we needed him to go, then he would be prepared to submit to the discretion of the club,

"He told me that he was looking to stay at Valencia and that he did not want to leave Spain in any case," explained Gomez.

Llorente along with the rest of the club are certainly satisfied with the outcome.

"We have fought with two clubs who wanted to sign him. Madrid showed more passion that Barca, but we have successfully retained his services and now we must encourage him because he can help us a lot," Llorente said.