New York City transfer news: David Villa becomes the first ever signing for Manchester City-jointly owned MLS club after leaving Atletico Madrid, and Frank Lampard could follow

City and MLB franchise New York Yankees have come together to launch their own MLS club with World Cup winner Villa the first man to be confirmed as part of their squad

Jack de Menezes
Tuesday 03 June 2014 06:06 BST
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David Villa is presented as the first ever signing for New York City FC
David Villa is presented as the first ever signing for New York City FC

David Villa has confirmed he is the first signing for newly formed Major League Soccer franchise New York City.

The Spain international joins the club jointly owned by Manchester City and the New York Yankees on a three-year deal from Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid, with both the player and the club confirming the news on Twitter.

Villa posted on his official account: “So excited to be the first player in the history of @NYCFC! I'm ready for this new challenge! #VillatoNYCFC”

Shortly after the 32-year-old confirmed the news, the club’s Twitter account posted: “Welcome to New York City: David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) officially signs as #NYCFC's first ever player. #VillatoNYCFC.”

In Villa, New York City are getting an international great who has a World Cup and a European Championship to his name as well as scoring the most goals fro Spain in their history with his current tally of 56.

He has also enjoyed success at club level winning two La Liga titles with Barcelona as well as this season's Primera Division with Atletico, and he has also been a part of the Catalan's side that won the Champions League in 2010-11.

Villa also has three Copa del Rey winners' medals, but will be hoping that there is more success to come as he has been named in Vicente del Bosdque's Spain squad for the World Cup.

The confirmation comes at a time where reports are rife that Frank Lampard will join Villa in the States next season. The 35-year-old, who has been named as vice-captain for England's 2014 World Cup campaign due to get underway in 10 days time.

Having been released from Chelsea after his contract expired at the end of the season, Lampard is expected to confirm the news once his duty in Brazil comes to an end, although he could still be available for a short-term loan spell as the new MLS season does not begin until next March.

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