Dídac Vilà

Espanyol

Born in Mataró, Barcelona, Catalonia,^[2] Vilà joined local RCD Espanyol's youth system at the age of 10, making his senior debut in 2008–09 and helping the reserves promote from the Tercera División, as champions.^[3][4] He was promoted to the first team by manager Mauricio Pochettino, making his La Liga debut on 30 January 2010 in a 1–0 home win against Athletic Bilbao (which, in his own words, came as a "surprise")^[5][6] and ending his first professional season with 11 league games, starting and playing all the minutes in every match as the Pericos finished in mid-table. Previously, he appeared with the main squad in the 2008 final of the Copa Catalunya, lost 2–1 to UE Sant Andreu,^[7] and signed a five-year contract with the club shortly after.^[8]

After missing the first months of the 2010–11 campaign due to physical problems,^[9][10] Vilà once again gained first-choice status, taking over longtime incumbent – and fellow youth graduate – David García.

AC Milan

On 28 January 2011, Vilà was bought by AC Milan in Serie A for a reported €3 million.^[11][12] After only one competitive appearance for the Italians, the 0–0 draw away to Udinese Calcio,^[13] and subsequently being highly critical of coach Massimiliano Allegri,^[14] he returned to Espanyol in early June 2011 in a season-long loan.^[15] He only missed one match during the league campaign,^[16] scoring twice but in as many away losses.^[17][18]

Vilà was set to join Valencia CF on loan at the beginning of 2012–13 with the option of making the move permanent at the end of the season,^[19][20] but the deal fell apart as he did not pass the required medical exams.^[21][22] Subsequently, the player underwent surgery.^[23][24]

For the 2013–14 campaign, Vilà moved to Real Betis on loan,^[25] again being bothered by physical problems, including a leg fracture;^[26] the Andalusians were relegated, and he subsequently joined SD Eibar in another temporary deal.^[27] After recovering, he suffered a thigh injury.^[28]

AEK Athens

On 7 August 2015, AEK Athens F.C. announced the signing of Vilà on a three-year deal,^[29] with the player stating he hoped this move would see him return to his old form.^[30] He played understudy to Aristidis Soiledis during the first part of the season^[31] but eventually became the starter, impressing manager Gus Poyet for his professionalism in training.^[32]

Vilà started 2016–17's domestic league with a goal, contributing to a 4–1 home victory over Xanthi FC.^[33]

Espanyol return

On 30 August 2017, Vilà returned to his first club Espanyol after agreeing to a three-year deal, with a €25 million buy-out clause.^[34][35]