Villa calls time on New York City
Former Spain striker David Villa confirmed his departure from New York City FC on Wednesday, drawing a line under a successful four-year spell with the Major League Soccer outfit.
Spanish soccer player David Villa, from the US team New York City FC, poses for the photos during the preseason camp training of Villa’s academy DV7 Soccer, at the Bayamon Soccer Complex, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, on 15 January 2017. Villa has said that after his retire as professional soccer player he wants to dedicate his effors to soccer academies, like the one that he created one year ago in Puerto Rico. EPA/Thais Llorca
The 36-year-old forward, who scored 80 goals in 124 appearances for New York, confirmed his exit on the club’s website.
An announcement over his next playing destination will be made in the “coming days.”
“I can only say thank you, thank you to everybody,” the Spanish World Cup winner said.
“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.”
Villa was New York City’s first ever signing as the expansion team came to fruition in 2014, joining from Atletico Madrid.
His goal tally included the first New York goal scored at Yankee Stadium in a opening home victory over the New England Revolution. He finished with 18 goals in his debut season.
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
For more news your way
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
