New York FC is the new kid on the block in MLS, and they've made a big splash with their first signing. As if playing games in Yankee Stadium weren't enough of an announcement of the club's plans to make a statement right off the bat, signing Atletico Madrid striker David Villa marks the new guys as a threat.
"It is an irresistible project for me and my family, it is very, very good. It is about football and I have to accept it," Villa said via the Madrid website. "I will be a fan of Atlético all my life for what they have given me this year."
Villa, at 32 years young, was a key contributor to Atletico Madrid's Spanish Primera Division title this year. He appaeared in 36 games, found the back of the net 13 times on 75 shots and also recorded four assists. He is also going to be on Spain's 23-man squad in the upcoming World Cup.
According to Villa, there was an attempt to keep the striker in place. "It has been a great project for me both personally as well as sporting and now I face a new challenge which is what I have always looked to do in my career and my life," Villa said.
"I would like to thank the people at Atlético and those that tried to convince me to stay, like Cholo [the head coach, Diego Simeone] and the rest of the coaching staff."
The presence of Villa, although advancing in age, adds credibility to New York FC right off the bad because of his winning pedigree. In addition to helping claim the 2013-2014 La Liga crown, Villa was a member of Barcelona when they won the Champions League title, and finished as a runner up this year. He has three La Liga titles to his name, and was on the Spanish World Cup team in 2010.
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