Spanish midfielder Luisma Villa has left the Bees by mutual consent in order to return to Spain.

The 25-year-old scored 13 times in 33 league outings last season as Martin Allen’s men won the Conference title for a record third time.

However, the former Racing Santander midfielder – who joined the bees from Spanish outfit Noja in 2013 – has now return to his native Spain, though he has yet to join another side.

Head coach Allen told the club website: “It is a shame to lose him but we have known for a while that he wanted to go back to Spain. We promised him that if we were champions then he could go back to Spain on a free transfer because he is missing his family and missing his partner. 

“He came in early to see me this morning and say thank you for everything, but he has decided now that he wants to go back to Spain so Luisma has left. 

“We will always be grateful for the fantastic impact that he had and it is a big loss because I think the absolute world of him on and off the field – he is a great guy and a really good player.” 

Villa made 28 appearances in the Conference during his first season and scored four times. He was used regularly again last term and excelled down the right-hand side of midfield scoring a range of stunning goals.

The pick of his blockbusters was a dramatic, last-gasp winner at home to Alfreton Town, sealing victory late on with an inch-perfect free-kick.

Luisma also netted a spectacular long-range effort in the 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers, drawing the Bees level from fully 35 yards.

In total the cultured playmaker scored 17 times in 67 first-team appearances during his two-year stay.