David Villa Is First Player To Sign With New York City FC
Spanish international David Villa becomes first player to sign a three-year deal with the newly formed Major League Soccer (MLS) club, New York City FC.
The New York City FC, owned in a partnership between Manchester City and the New York Yankees, announced the deal in a series of tweets on their Twitter account:
Welcome to New York City: David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) officially signs as #NYCFC's first ever player. #VillatoNYCFC pic.twitter.com/zzR3gEbmTV
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) June 2, 2014
David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) signs for New York City FC. Press release: http://t.co/v0ZtpB7vCq #VillatoNYCFC pic.twitter.com/0qbVHpU1TC
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) June 2, 2014
An excited David Villa also tweeted about joining the New York City FC on his personal Twitter and asked for fans to support his World Cup campaign:
On the plane heading to the USA, my next home! A quick hi to all New Yorkers! I hope you support me in the World Cup pic.twitter.com/APjvYmaroe
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) June 2, 2014
David Villa comes to New York City following a successful season for his team, Atletico Madrid, which won the Spanish League for the first time since the 1995-1996 season and fell to city rivals Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final.
Villa, who has always played for Spanish teams, said he is moving to the US following an “irresistible opportunity” from the MLS and New York City FC, prior to the official confirmation.
Most believed the 32-year-old striker was headed to the New York team, which was confirmed Monday morning.
In a statement posted to the New York City FC website, Villa talked about the exciting time in his life:
“Throughout my career I’ve always tried to keep pushing myself to achieve new targets and this represents another important goal for me.:
“I want to try and help MLS continue to grow, through playing, working hard, scoring goals and at the same time try to make New York City FC become the best team in the league.”
“It’s a real honor that the people who have formed the club have focused their attention on me. I’m keen to do the best I can, take on board that extra responsibility and prove my worth by repaying the confidence they have shown in me.”
Aside from the successful bid with Atletico in the 2013-2014 season, David Villa has been selected by Spain’s coach Vicente del Bosque as part of the 23-man squad that is heading to next month’s World Cup in Brazil. Spain is the defending world champion and Villa and his teammates have a good chance to repeat in 2014.
[Image via David Villa/Twitter]
