New York City FC is delighted to announce World Cup winner and Spain legend David Villa has become the club’s first official signing.
Villa becomes our sister side’s first Designated Player and soccer fans in New York will now have the opportunity to watch one of the biggest names in world football when the inaugural campaign begins early next year.
Nicknamed ‘El Guaje’ (The Kid), he remains one of the world’s best strikers – and has been for almost a decade – and is a national hero in his homeland for his exploits at domestic and national team level.
David joins NYCFC from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid after agreeing a three-year deal with the MLS side ahead of the 2014 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," he 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 MLS
“It's a real honour honor that the people who have formed the club have focused their attention on me. I'm really 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 has worn the No.7 shirt throughout the majority of his career and the 32-year-old was part of the all-conquering Barcelona side that swept all before them between 2010 and 2013 having signed for a fee of £40m from Valencia.
The Tuilla-born forward won the Champions League and La Liga title during his first season at the Camp Nou and Villa played his part to the full in Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring 23 goals in 52 games with his partnership with Lionel Messi particularly productive.
Villa has also played for Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza in a playing career that has so far seen him score a hugely impressive 297 goals in 613 appearances – just shy of a goal every two games and New York City FC fans will hope he brings his prolific scoring record to the MLS.
The first player to score 50 goals for Spain, Villa was an integral member of the team who won the 2010 World Cup and also Euro 2008 and is La Roja’s all-time top scorer in World Cup tournament.
He has achieved legendary status after scoring 56 goals in 94 appearances for his country and has been included in Vicente Del Bosque’s squad for Brazil 2014.
“David Villa is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished soccer players and best strikers in the world,” said Jason Kreis, Head Coach, New York City FC.
"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.
grow, through playing, working hard,
scoring goals and at the same time try
to make New York City FC become the
best team in MLS
“It's a real honour honor that the people who have formed the club have focused their attention on me. I'm really 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 has worn the No.7 shirt throughout the majority of his career and the 32-year-old was part of the all-conquering Barcelona side that swept all before them between 2010 and 2013 having signed for a fee of £40m from Valencia.
The Tuilla-born forward won the Champions League and La Liga title during his first season at the Camp Nou and Villa played his part to the full in Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring 23 goals in 52 games with his partnership with Lionel Messi particularly productive.
Villa has also played for Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza in a playing career that has so far seen him score a hugely impressive 297 goals in 613 appearances – just shy of a goal every two games and New York City FC fans will hope he brings his prolific scoring record to the MLS.
The first player to score 50 goals for Spain, Villa was an integral member of the team who won the 2010 World Cup and also Euro 2008 and is La Roja’s all-time top scorer in World Cup tournament.
He has achieved legendary status after scoring 56 goals in 94 appearances for his country and has been included in Vicente Del Bosque’s squad for Brazil 2014.
“David Villa is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished soccer players and best strikers in the world,” said Jason Kreis, Head Coach, New York City FC.
"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.
