New York City FC feel they have the perfect Designated Player after announcing the signing of Spain international David Villa on Monday.
“We’re incredibly excited to be where we are today, and we truly believe there’s no player more fitting to be a New York City FC player and a perfect first signing for our club,” NYCFC sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a conference call with reporters on Monday. “David ticked off all the boxes – he scores goals, create goals, he leads the line up front and he’s a leader. Where he’s at in his career, playing at the highest level, for us it was an easy fit.”
Villa, who arrives on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid, was unavailable to media on Monday since he was flying to Washington, D.C. to join the Spanish national team in preparations for the upcoming World Cup, Villa’s third.
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The 32-year-old forward will join NYCFC for their preseason in January 2015. Prior to that, Reyna said he will go on loan with another team but said that team will not be Manchester City.
“He will be playing some games, but we can’t reveal where just yet,” Reyna said.
Reyna also wouldn’t comment on the reports that English international and former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is the club’s next signing.
Monday, he said, was a time to talk about Villa.
“David is without a doubt a perfect first-ever player for New York City FC,” NYCFC coach Jason Kreis said. “I can’t wait to work with him.”
