Atletico Madrid Transfer News: David Villa Signs with New York City FC
Spanish striker signs three-year deal.
Major League Soccer side New York FC is on a roll with signing European stars. First, it was announced that Chelsea Legend Frank Lampard would be leaving his home club of 13 years in favour of the New York club, now Spanish striker David Villa has been signed as well.
New York FC is a new MLS franchise co-owned by English Premiere League champions Manchester City and the New York Yankees. The new club has signed Villa n a three year deal.
Villa rose to fame while he played for Spanish giants FC Barcelona before becoming part of the title winning Atlético Madrid team under Diego Simeone last year which also went as far as the Champions League final this year. His career spans across the nation after having also represented Valencia, Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza.
Unlike Lampard who has spent a good 13 years in Chelsea, a team which is now taking an obvious stance to revamp its line up, and a squad where an ageing veteran might struggle to find a solid starting position, Villa is part of a team that has just recently found its footing and established itself with its current squad as a real force to be reckoned with both domestically and in Europe.
It seems that New York FC has made him an offer he can't refuse. Villa has never played his club football outside of Spain and this will be a big adjustment.
"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." said Villa in an Interview posted in the NYCFC Web site.
Apart from paying club soccer, Villa has also had a stellar career which includes the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup which Spain won. He also holds the Spanish record of 56 goals in international competitions. His experience will be invaluable in forming a new team in an emerging league.