Dídac Vilà Rosselló (; born 9 June 1989) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back.
Club career Espanyol Born in Mataró, Barcelona, Catalonia, Vilà joined local RCD Espanyol's youth system at the age of 10, making his senior debut in 2008–09 and helping the reserves promote from the Tercera División, as champions. He was promoted to the first team by manager Mauricio Pochettino, making his La Liga debut on 30 January 2010 in a 1–0 home win against Athletic Bilbao (which, in his own words, came as a "surprise") and ending his first professional season with 11 league games, starting and playing all the minutes in every match as the Pericos finished in mid-table. Previously, he appeared with the main squad in the 2008 final of the Copa Catalunya, lost 2–1 to UE Sant Andreu, and signed a five-year contract with the club shortly after.
After missing the first months of the 2010–11 campaign due to physical problems, Vilà once again gained first-choice status, taking over longtime incumbent – and fellow youth graduate – David García.
AC Milan On 28 January 2011, Vilà was bought by AC Milan in Serie A for a reported €3 million. After only one competitive appearance for the Italians, the 0–0 draw away to Udinese Calcio, and subsequently being highly critical of coach Massimiliano Allegri, he returned to Espanyol in early June 2011 in a season-long loan. He only missed one match during the league campaign, scoring twice but in as many away losses.
Vilà was set to join Valencia CF on loan at the beginning of 2012–13 with the option of making the move permanent at the end of the season, but the deal fell apart as he did not pass the required medical exams. Subsequently, the player underwent surgery.
For the 2013–14 campaign, Vilà moved to Real Betis on loan, again being bothered by physical problems, including a leg fracture; the Andalusians were relegated, and he subsequently joined SD Eibar in another temporary deal. After recovering, he suffered a thigh injury.
AEK Athens On 7 August 2015, AEK Athens F.C. announced the signing of Vilà on a three-year deal, with the player stating he hoped this move would see him return to his old form. He played understudy to Aristidis Soiledis during the first part of the season but eventually became the starter, impressing manager Gus Poyet for his professionalism in training.
Vilà started 2016–17's domestic league with a goal, contributing to a 4–1 home victory over Xanthi FC.
Espanyol return On 30 August 2017, Vilà returned to his first club Espanyol after agreeing to a three-year deal, with a €25 million buy-out clause.
International career In 2011, Vilà received his first Spain under-21 call-up. That year, he was selected by manager Luis Milla to the UEFA European Championship in Denmark, playing all the matches and minutes for the eventual champions.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague CupEuropeTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsEspanyol B2008–09Tercera División3033000003332009–10Segunda Division 100000000100Total403300000433Espanyol2008–09La Liga00100000102009–10La Liga 1100000001102010–11La Liga 130300000160Total240400000280AC Milan2010–11Serie A10000000102012–13Serie A 0000000000Total1000000010Espanyol (loan)2011–12La Liga 372110000403Betis (loan)2013–14La Liga120200061201Eibar (loan)2014–15La Liga 150100000160AEK Athens2015–16Super League Greece 2605000003102016–17Super League Greece 323800020423Total5831300020733Espanyol2017–18La Liga 14060——2002018–19La Liga 27020——2902019–20La Liga 30000—1114112020–21Segunda División19030——220Total900110001111121Career total27783510019233111
Honours Espanyol B Tercera División: 2008–09
AC Milan Serie A: 2010–11
AEK Athens Greek Football Cup: 2015–16
Espanyol Segunda División: 2020–21
Spain U21 UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2011
Spain U20 Mediterranean Games: 2009
Notes
References
External links