Former Barcelona player David Villa recently said that he was not expecting to have the success they have been enjoying this season even though already knowing the capabilities of Athletic Madrid before joining the Spanish side on July of 2013.

Athletic Madrid currently are topping the Spanish League, La Liga with 40 points alongside Barcelona as both clubs are tied in 1st place with the only difference being the goal difference in favor of the Catalan team.

“I expected to find something good, but this has been better than what I imagined. I had an image of a great team, a tough team who it was always very difficult to play against. Then I saw there was an exceptional group too – a very healthy locker room.

“But in football there are not many coincidences, this team had been on a path that included two Europa Leagues, two European Super Cups, one Copa del Rey won against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. That cannot be coincidence.

“The team was already there and now I have just come in to try and help them to grow.” Villa told Marca.

The success of Athletic Madrid can also be seen by their superb performances in the Champions League group stages as they have already qualified into the next rounds of the tournament even though there is still 1 match left to be played.

David Villa has quickly found his place in Athletic Madrid as he has formed a partnership with Diego Costa allowing the attacking duo on scoring over 25 goals so far in this season.
The forward also paid tribute to Simeone as he has transformed the club ever since taking charge back in December of 2011.

“Simeone is a guy with a very large character. He conveys through coaching what he experienced as a player,” Villa added.