Primera Division

Real have given up on signing Villa, says Valdano

20:32 BST, Thu 2 Jul 2009
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Spain's David Villa celebrates after scoring against South Africa during the Confederations Cup soccer match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein June 20, 2009.  REUTERS/Jerry Lampen (SOUTH AFRICA SPORT SOCCER)

MADRID, July 2 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have abandoned their pursuit of Valencia striker David Villa after buying Karim Benzema from Olympique Lyon, director general Jorge Valdano said on Thursday.

"Benzema fulfils the goal of having a striker, a goal scorer who brings a lot of presence and aggression to the forward line," Valdano told a news conference when asked if the Frenchman's arrival on Wednesday had put an end to their bid for Villa.

"Benzema and Villa both have these characteristics so the answer to your question is yes."

(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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