Former Atlético Madrid star David Villa has returned to the club as a board advisor following a major investment deal. The move comes after investment group Apollo Sports Capital completed its majority acquisition of the LaLiga club, formalizing a deal announced last November.

Villa, who was part of Atlético's 2013-14 LaLiga title-winning team and Champions League final run, expressed excitement about his new role. The club's longtime leadership, including chairman Enrique Cerezo and CEO Miguel Angel Gil, will remain in place. Villa joins the revamped board as an advisor, bringing his experience as Spain's all-time leading scorer to the club's strategic planning.

The investment deal includes up to €100 million ($115 million) for player acquisitions and facility upgrades. The funds will support Atlético's ambitious "Sport City" project near Metropolitano Stadium and strengthen the club's football operations. Apollo Sports Capital also recently became minority investors in Championship club Wrexham.