David Villa out of European Championships

Spain forward David Villa has been ruled out of Euro 2012 after failing to recover in time from his broken leg.

The striker suffered a fracture in his left tibia last December during Barcelona's Club World Championship campaign.

Manager Vicente Del Bosque wanted to give the 30-year-old as long as possible to prove his fitness ahead of this summer's tournament, but it seems that Villa has lost his race against the clock.

Villa confirmed the news via his Twitter: "I've tried, but I can't be 100% to play the Eurocup. I called Vicente del Bosque to say him. It's the honest thing I could do.

"Thanks to all of you for your support. I will continue working to return to play as soon as possible with Barca and Spanish National Team."

Villa has scored 51 goals in 82 games for his country since debuting in 2005.