14.10.2010 14:51

Villa delighted after Chile miners' rescue

Marc Guillén / Vanessa Forns

David Villa has expressed his delight after seeing the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days all successfully rescued earlier this week.

The striker comes from a mining family and followed the events in the South American country closely. "I am proud and happy that they all stayed strong and that they are healthy," he explained. "I have watched with uncertainty, hoping that everything would turn out well. It appears that rescue equipment was perfect, but in these situations there could always be complications. I am pleased that it went so well and that they are all now back on the surface."

Sensitive view

"In general I followed the rescue like everyone else did, but when you have lived in this world you are almost more sensitive about it because you know everything that it involves and memories come flooding back of events you know about," Villa continued. "In this case we are all pleased that all the miners are safe and well."

Real heroes

Often considered a sporting hero himself, Villa believes that the 33 miners should be considered the real heroes. "What they have done is not easy," he said. "They spent a long time down there, living together and helping each other so that it all turned out good. Thank God that everything turned out as well as it has done."

Message of hope

The Barça striker wanted to send a message to the miners and to wish them all a great future. "Heads up, it is not easy what you have managed to endure," he stated. "Everyone at Barça and in Spanish football are proud and pleased that you stayed strong and are back up. I want to wish you a happy life. I hope this experience will only make you all stronger."