Roberto Soldado eyes return to form after leaving Spurs for Villarreal

The 30-year-old striker scored just 16 goals in 76 appearances for Spurs and has returned to Spain after just two seasons in the Barclays Premier League.

Soldado joined Tottenham from Valencia in a then club-record £26million transfer and has arrived at Villarreal for a snip of that fee, reported to be around £7million.

"This is a very important step in my career," Soldado said at his presentation, according to Marca. "I've been away for two years in which I haven't been able to give my best, but I'm convinced that I can score lots of goals for Villarreal.

"I've spent two very difficult years in England where I lost my confidence. Villarreal's interest has given me the enthusiasm and will to do great things.

"When their offer arrived I didn't hesitate as it is a great opportunity to return to Spain and join a big club.

"I want to return to play at a good level and score lots of goals. I want to go back to being the player I used to be."

Soldado, who started his career at Real Madrid, earned his reputation as one of the best strikers in Spain's top flight at Getafe and then Valencia, for whom he scored 81 times in 141 appearances.

"I gave my best at Valencia but now I have come to Villarreal confident that I can do better, I'm convinced of this," Soldado said, after signing a three-year contract.

"In order to do that, I need to work very hard and give all that I have."

Villarreal finished sixth in the 2014-15 campaign and will play in the Europa League. The Valencia-based outfit, coached by Marcelino, begin their Primera Division campaign at Real Betis on Sunday.