Photo/Illutration Vissel Kobe forward David Villa poses with children at Kobe University Hospital on Oct. 3. (Pool)

KOBE--David Villa, the former star striker of the Spanish national team and now a forward for J.League club Vissel Kobe, brought smiles to the faces of 28 sick children during a surprise hospital visit.

The 37-year-old player visited Kobe University Hospital on Oct. 3 after a practice and interacted with the children who ranged from infants to 15-year-olds.

“I saw the excited faces of the children,” he said. “I hope that I can help them battle their illnesses.”

Villa played for years with the prestigious FC Barcelona in the Spanish professional league.

He was also a top scorer in the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, leading Spain to its first title.

He joined Vissel Kobe in December 2018.

Children at the hospital had asked to meet professional soccer players. Hospital staff sent the request to Vissel Kobe, specifically asking for Villa.

He accepted the invitation.

“Spain also has such a custom, and I used to give presents like Santa Claus during Christmas season,” he said.

At Kobe University Hospital, he performed “lifting,” or juggling a soccer ball with his feet, in front of the children and held an autograph session.

Kota Satozaki, 14, who has been hospitalized for 10 months, acted as a hospital representative and greeted Villa.

“I continued to undergo treatment while I was looking forward to seeing you,” he told the striker. “I’m happy to have your autograph. Thank you for coming.”

Villa was so impressed that he took off his uniform, signed it and gave it to the teenager.

When Villa was 4 years old, he fractured his right thighbone, and a doctor told him that the operation could leave the leg impaired and make it difficult for him to continue playing soccer.

He decided against undergoing the surgery and was hospitalized for eight months for treatment.

“It is not easy to fight with illness. Fortunately, I have never been injured twice in the same part of the body in my career,” he said. “Patients need the support of others for their medical treatment. I hope that they can leave the hospital as early as possible.”

Villa strongly feels that it is important for athletes to encourage children.

“I would like to continue such activities also in Japan,” he said.