David Villa bid adieu to Atletico Madrid on Sunday, and said hello to the Big Apple on Monday.
The star Spanish striker, 32, has been announced as the first player in the history of New York City FC, which will not begin play until 2015. Frank Lampard is expected to follow.
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
It’s a three-year deal for Villa, who scored 13 goals in La Liga this season after spending three seasons with Barcelona (33 goals in 77 matches). He made his hay with Valencia from 2005-10 when he struck 108 times in 166 matches.
From a NYCFC statement:
“Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to keep pushing myself to achieve new targets, and this represents another important goal for me,” Villa said. “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.”
Villa also has scored 56 times in just under 100 caps for Spain, and will bring his talents to Jason Kreis’ unit. Hopefully he will also bring his vocal capabilities to Yankee Stadium:
