After becoming the first player in club history following confirmation of his three-year deal with New York City FC on Monday, Spanish star David Villa is aiming to do big things in Major League Soccer.
For the first time as a NYCFC player Villa, 32, spoke in-depth about his reasons for moving to MLS, the ambitions for himself and the club moving forward and plenty more in an exclusive chat with NYCFC’s website.
MORE: It’s official - Villa is New York City FC’s first player (photo)
The all-time leading goalscorer for the Spanish national team will suit up in March 2015 when New York arrive in MLS. He is the figurehead of the franchise and will drive the team on during their early years as a club.
He also revealed that after he returns from the World Cup with Spain this summer, Villa will travel to NYC and a formal presentation with his family and fans of the club will be made.
Without further delay, here is what the man of the moment had to say.
On why he chose to move to New York City FC...
Above all it was the quality and capacity of the project and the desire they have to improve in MLS which is really growing in importance. More than anything the interest they have shown in me as the figurehead of this project. I’m happy and really looking forward to helping the City Group grow even bigger with the team in New York. So let’s hope it all goes well.
On the challenge of playing in MLS...
I’m setting myself a new challenge. Up to now in Europe I’ve enjoyed a lot of high points in my career. I’ve always tried to keep pushing myself to achieve new targets and this is another important goal for me. It’s in a new country on another continent with a different style of football which is still growing. I want to try and help MLS continue to grow through playing, working hard and scoring goals and at the same time try and make New York City the best team in MLS.
On growing the club and soccer in the USA...
Of course the tradition for the game is different but that is one of those challenges to help encourage the people of New York to gain more enthusiasm for the game and become fans of NYCFC and supports of soccer in general while feeling a part of this new club. Lets hope we can get lots of new season ticket holders and lots of people who want to support the team.