New Major League Soccer club New York City FC (known as NYC FC) have signaled their intent at becoming one of the top sides the league.
It is a milestone for football in the United States, as the club will not only be the first ever in sports-congested New York City but also is the second for the New York surrounding area after the New York Red Bulls.
Certainly, they face stiff competition for sports fans' attention due to teams like the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Jets, Giants, and Nets all laying clame to the New York metropolitan area. But nonetheless, the new kid on the block, which is jointly owned by City Football Group (the parent of Manchester City) and the aforementioned Yankees, are hoping to attract true football fans by making some key signings.
Their first such acquisition is Spain's all-time scorer David Villa, who previously was with Atletico Madrid and has signed a three-year deal with the American team.
First ever player: The 32-year-old striker has now moved across the pond to explore new ventures
The EURO 2008 and World Cup 2010 winner has chosen to depart Europe in favour of America
This will be the first time that Villa has ever played for a team outside his native Spain
La Furia Roja's top marksman was instrumental in Atletico Madrid winning the league title, scoring 13 goals in 36 outings. Before then he played for numerous Spanish sides, including Barcelona, Valencia, Zarazoga, and Sporting Gijon, where he began his professional career.
Despite having been in existence since 1993, MLS has largely failed to gain the traction that its founders sought over two decades ago.
And although they have signed several of the world's most recognized players, it still has the reputation of being a place for one last swansong, rather than an area that will attract footballers in their prime.
Chelsea's Frank Lampard is also rumoured to be coming on board, and it remains to be seen how NYC FC fares in the league when it begins playing in 2015.
