Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about his move to Villarreal in La Liga, as it brings him closer to his goal of playing in the Champions League. Saliba was recently unveiled by Villarreal at a press conference where he signed a contract until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba is set to join fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent club in Spanish football. The midfielder emphasized the significance of playing in a top European league, highlighting his dedication to hard work and development.
Saliba shared that Buchanan and Oluwaseyi spoke highly of Villarreal and its environment, praising the team’s playing style and camaraderie. Villarreal, who finished third in La Liga last season, secured a spot in the upcoming Champions League group stage.
Having previously played for Anderlecht in Belgium, Saliba, 22, made a strong impact with three goals in 34 appearances in the Belgian Pro League last season. He also had a successful stint with Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal before moving to Europe.
Representing Canada at the recent World Cup, Saliba made headlines by scoring a free-kick goal in a match against Qatar. His gesture of holding up teammate Ismael Kone’s jersey following a serious injury during the tournament showcased his sportsmanship and team spirit.
Villarreal has kicked off the current La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves in their upcoming match. Saliba is looking forward to this new chapter in his career and the opportunities that playing for Villarreal will bring.