David Villa will give his all to make Spain's World Cup squad in Russia

Spain's top goal scorer David Villa has told EFE in Miami that he will "work hard" to make Julen Lopetegui's squad for the World Cup in Russia. 

The New York City striker, who has 59 goals in 98 caps for La Roja, said that he's aware Lopetegui is "observing" him, as well as the other "forward candidates" for his squad for the summer. 

"At the end of the day, [Lopetegui] will decide, but I would be delighted to go," Villa said. "What I will do is compete and train as hard as I can."

Villa returned to the Spain squad last September after three years without being selected, although he was only able to play a few minutes due to an injury. 

"Injuries are always bad, but that was especially so in that case," he added. "But the reaction of the fans was great. It was really good, apart from the fact it ended with an injury." 

At 36, Villa has played in three World Cups: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, when Spain won the trophy, and Brazil 2014. 

He sees Spain as one of the favourites in Russia because they have "the best players and a great manager". But he adds that football "can change a lot and there's still a while to go." 

On La Liga, he makes Barcelona favourites: "It's still difficult to predict, even though there's a big difference and obviously if they stay at the same level it's almost impossible for anyone to stop them winning the title." 

As for his personal situation, he said he's "very happy in New York and I feel good to keep on playing. You miss some things about where you're from and your experiences in Spain, but it's a privelege to be playing in the USA."