Spanish football player David Villa’s contract with the American football club New York City FC expires on December 31st. After that, the 36-year-old will not return to the team. That gave the club from Major League Soccer (MLS) known on Wednesday.
–
The Spaniard has spent four seasons in the US professional league. It is not yet known where the 2010 soccer world champions will be heading next. Villa wants to comment on this in the coming days, it says in the message.
“My experience here was incredible,” Villa is quoted on the club’s homepage. “It gave me everything as a footballer, person and family man. I will always remember this experience with love. My heart is here and I am a NYCFC supporter for life.”
–
In 117 regular season appearances in the MLS, Villa scored 77 goals and 26 assists. Only Bradley Wright-Phillips of city rival New York Red Bulls was able to score more goals over the same period.
–
Villa, who also won the European championship title with the Spanish national team in 2008, led the New Yorkers in the playoffs for the first time with 23 goals in 2016 and won the award as most valuable player (MVP) of the league.
“It is not a farewell, but a: See you soon”, it says in the message of the association. It ends with the hashtag #VillaForever.
–
