The 28-year-old striker has rattled in 43 in 64 games since making his debut in 2005, one short of the national scoring record of 44 in 102 held by Raul, and is the 2010 World Cup's joint-leading marksman with five goals in six matches.
His scoring prowess in La Liga earned him a 40 million-euro move to Barcelona following five campaigns with Valencia, and after being overshadowed by new Barca team-mate Lionel Messi in La Liga last season has burst spectacularly into the spotlight at his second World Cup.
"I am very pleased right now with what is a marvellous situation in my professional life, maybe the greatest of my life," he said. "But I hope the best is yet to come."
Villa, whose favourite film is "Braveheart" about Scottish patriot William Wallace and who always makes sure he takes to the pitch on his right foot, had spells with local club Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza before joining Valencia.
Coach Vicente del Bosque has often used him in the lone striker role and Torres's poor form after returning from knee surgery shortly before the finals means almost all the goalscoring onus has fallen on Villa.
"Never stop loving this job, always try to improve, never admit defeat and always be yourself."
