The Catalans remain busy on the transfer market following the signing of ex-Valencia defender Jordi Alba. For Barcelona team mate Lionel Messi, the return of another former Valencia player, namely David Villa, will be like a transfer signing. That said, Messi believes that the club should not think about welcoming new strikers.
“With the forwards that we have, there is no need to sign more attackers. It is crucial that [David] Villa returns,” La Pulga told the press.
“He is doing very well and I hope he will be the same Villa as before. He is a very important player, he scores a lot of goals and we missed him last season.”
In the absence of David Villa who suffered a long-term injury during the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, Lionel Messi netted 73 goals in all competitions.
“I hope to improve every year. I hope I will be injury-free this season and that I will be available to play every match,” Messi said as he talked individually. He continued:
“I try to surpass myself not in terms of goals, but in terms of my growth as a player and in what I can give to the team.
“I hope that there is still margin for me to continue to grow. My goals are in terms of collective titles.”
Lionel Messi and Barcelona will be looking to punish Real Madrid in the 2012 Supercopa de Espana later in August.
