New York City FC have confirmed that David Villa will leave the club after his contract expires on 31st December. Villa was the club’s first ever signing, joining them in 2014 after the World Cup. The Spanish striker played 124 matches for the club, scoring 80 goals.
A legacy that will endure… đź—˝ #VillaForever
David Villa Departs New York City Football Club
READ ➡️ https://t.co/4EFNeU1947 pic.twitter.com/bdA2CzYaFm
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) November 28, 2018
Villa won several individual accolades during his four-year stint at New York City FC that included being the MLS MVP of 2016. The former Spain international who turns 37 on Monday, said the club’s official website, “I can only say thank you, thank you to everybody. First, to City Football Group that gave me the opportunity to come here. To NYCFC and MLS for accepting me. To everybody at the Club who helped me day-by-day. Thank you to the people in the offices, the people working with the team and the coaches and staff. Thank you to my teammates – without them it would have been impossible to be successful. Thank you to the people working in the media that always gave me the respect and the love.
Obviously, our fans. I remember the first day I showed the jersey and the supporters were there. I would have liked to give the supporters the MLS Cup, but I don’t have any doubts that in the next years the Club will get it for sure. My experience here was amazing. It gave me everything as a soccer player, as a person, and as a family man. I’ll always remember this experience with love. My heart is here and I’m an NYCFC supporter forever.”
The club’s Sporting Director and former USA football team captain Claudio Reyna said, “David has been an incredible ambassador and Captain to this Club since the moment we signed him. His professionalism and leadership helped us through the challenges that a new team faces when they come into the league. He’s represented New York City FC tremendously both on and off the pitch and has been a real leader for this football club. I truly believe that David will be remembered as one of the best players to ever play in MLS. He will forever be a legend amongst all of our wonderful supporters and everyone here at NYCFC wishes David nothing but the best in the remainder of his career. He will always be a part of NYCFC.”
New York City FC will hold a farewell event for Villa on his birthday.
