Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about joining Villarreal in La Liga, as it brings him closer to his aspiration of playing in the Champions League. Saliba was officially unveiled by Villarreal at a press conference, where he signed a contract that extends until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be playing alongside fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent club in Spanish soccer’s top division. Reflecting on his journey, Saliba emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication in his career development. He described playing in a top European league and aiming for the Champions League as every player’s dream, expressing eagerness for this new chapter in his career.
Saliba shared that his compatriots had given him positive feedback about Villarreal, praising the team, city, club atmosphere, and playing style. With Villarreal securing a third-place finish in La Liga last season and qualifying for the upcoming Champions League campaign, Saliba’s anticipation for the challenges ahead is evident.
Having transitioned from Belgian club Anderlecht, where he had a notable record, Saliba is set to make his mark with Villarreal. His previous stints with CF Montreal in Major League Soccer and representation of Canada at the World Cup highlight his diverse experience and talent on the field. Saliba’s memorable goal at the World Cup, coupled with his sportsmanship in acknowledging a teammate’s injury, underlines his character both on and off the pitch. Villarreal’s current La Liga season has commenced with promising results, setting the stage for Saliba’s upcoming debut against Deportivo Alaves.