It is with much sadness that Barnet FC can announce that Luisma Villa has left the club for personal reasons in order to return home to Spain.
Luisma arrived at The Hive during the summer of 2013 after representing Racing Santander in La Liga and going on to play for Real Unión, Alavés, Amorebieta and Noja in his native Spain.
In the two years since he went on to make a total of 62 appearances for the Bees and scored 17 goals, 13 of which came last season when he finished as the second top-scorer behind John Akinde as Barnet were promoted as champions of the Football Conference.
During his time at The Hive the Spaniard formed a reputation for scoring spectacular goals, and was awarded the 2014/15 Goal of the Season trophy for his injury time free-kick against Alfreton Town back in September that secured the Bees a dramatic victory.
It was the second trophy that Luisma picked up at last season’s Player of the Year Awards, after also being named as Most Improved Player.
Luisma signed a contract extension with the club back in August, but following lengthy discussions an agreement has been reached that will allow him to return home to Spain to be with his friends and family.
Discussing the decision, Martin Allen explained the reasoning behind it and paid homage to the midfielder, saying:
“It is a shame to lose him but we have known for a while that he wanted to go back to Spain. We promised him that if we were champions then he could go back to Spain on a free transfer because he is missing his family and missing his partner.
“He came in early to see me this morning and say thank you for everything, but he has decided now that he wants to go back to Spain so Luisma has left.
“We will always be grateful for the fantastic impact that he had and it is a big loss because I think the absolute world of him on and off the field – he is a great guy and a really good player.”
Everybody at Barnet FC would like to thank Luisma for all of his fantastic efforts for the club during his time in England and wish him all the very best for the future on his return home. He will be fondly remembered and always welcomed back.
