Major League Soccer's newest team New York City F.C. won't start competing until the 2015 MLS season. But their squad is already starting to come together.
Up until this point, New York City F.C. had a front office, a head coach, and a logo in place. But they didn't actually have any players. However, that changed earlier today when they agreed to a three-year contract with Spanish striker David Villa, who will play in the World Cup this summer and then be loaned to another team this fall before joining New York City F.C. next season. And he's looking forward to making a big splash in MLS.
"I'm really looking forward to helping the City group grow even bigger with the team in New York," he said today. "So let's hope it all goes well."
It'll be awhile before we find out who Villa will be playing alongside with New York City F.C. and how he will fit into their roster. But in the meantime, Villa—who has won three Spanish league titles and a World Cup during his career—should help the team get fans excited about snatching up season tickets and sell quite a few New York City F.C. jerseys. So it already sounds like it will be a win/win for both sides.
Here's a billboard that New York City F.C. put up in Times Square today to commemorate the signing:
