New MLS franchise secure one legend and have another in the pipeline.
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Brand new Major League Soccer franchise New York City FC have made their first signing by landing the signature of Atletico Madrid striker David Villa, according to mlssoccer.com.
The club, who are in a partnership with Manchester City and Baseball club the New York Yankees, are set to enter the league in 2015 and have brought Spain’s all-time leading goalscorer as their designated player.
“David Villa is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished soccer players and best strikers in the world,” NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis said in a club statement.
“I couldn’t be happier that we have acquired such an amazing talent as our first ever signing. David will be a shining example of what it will mean to be a New York City player and a leader for us on and off the field. He is hard-working, he is a natural competitor, he is a winner at heart, and he is a terrific man. David has checked every box for what we were looking for in our first signing, and it is a great day to be a member of this growing family of a club.”
Villa will leave Atletico with the La Liga title to his name and will now fly out to Brazil with the Spanish national side to compete in the World Cup.
“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 in the NYCFC statement.
“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.”
NYCFC are also hoping to wrap up the signature of England midfielder Frank Lampard, too. The 35-year-old still has not been offered an extension with Chelsea and will now look elsewhere to see out the twilight of his career.