New York City FC has made a move to prove that they want to be taken seriously. The newly formed club has gone out and signed Spanish forward David Villa, who is coming off a very successful season with Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
In case you hadn’t heard, New York has gotten a new soccer club who will be competing in the MLS starting in 2015. New York City FC will play their home matches in Yankee Stadium, as the team is partially owned by The New York Yankees.
Villa is now 32 years old, which is past the prime for soccer players. However, the Spanish international can still perform at the top level, as he will try to help defending champion’s Spain defend their title in the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. The skillful attacker helped Atletico Madrid win their first La Liga title in 18 years, and was a big part in their run to the Champions League final. Villa is the all-time leading goal scorer for Spain’s international team.
This is not the first time an MLS club has earned attention by signing a European star that is a bit past his prime. We all remember the fiasco when David Beckham came to the US to play alongside Landon Donavan with the Los Angeles Galaxy. The New York Red Bulls also have gone across the Atlantic to find talent, as they are currently captained by Frenchmen Thierry Henry, who they signed in 2010.
“Throughout my career I've always tried to keep pushing myself to achieve new targets and this represents another important goal for me” said Villa on NYCFC’s website. Villa will certainly have his hands full if he wants to find success with NYCFC, as he is currently the only player on the roster.
Help may soon be on the way for Villa however. There have been several reports that NYCFC is interested in signing English star Frank Lampard, who has played for English side Chelsea since 2001. The legendary midfielder recently confirmed that he would not be returning to Chelsea for another season, reports Sky Sports.
Even with the signings of European stars it is hard to say if the NYCFC will be able to garner a fan base right away. Though it seems they will use the blueprint which has made their partners, the Yankees, a successful franchise, which is to go out and sign the most expensive players available and hope for the best.