By DAN KARELL
David Villa will in fact be playing soccer this fall, though it won’t be in Manchester or New York.
New York City FC sister club Melbourne City FC announced on Wednesday that David Villa will be playing for them between October and December. It’s expected that Villa will play 10 times for Melbourne in the 2014-2015 A-League season, and then return to New York for NYC FC’s inaugural campaign.
Villa, currently in the Spanish national team squad for the World Cup, will take time off after the tournament to recharge his batteries before joining his teammates in Australia.
“It’s very good for me in every sense,” Villa said about playing in Australia. “From a football point of view it’s the opportunity to play in a new league in a different country, and of course it will be ideal for me to get some competitive football in the period before the MLS season gets under way. I’m sure that playing for Melbourne City FC will be a marvelous experience.
“What I’ve always done throughout my career is do the best I possibly can. That is what I will do for Melbourne City FC in every game that I play for them. I’ll be giving everything for the team, just like I have with every club I’ve played for.”
On Monday, NYC FC announced Villa as the team’s first ever player signing, joining the club on a three-year contract. Though it wasn’t disclosed, it’s a safe bet to assume that Villa is joining the team as a Designated Player.
Villa is coming off a season with Atletico Madrid where he scored 15 goals in all competitions and helped lead Atletico to their first La Liga title in 18 years.
Melbourne City FC finished last season in last place in the ten-team A-League with just 26 points from 27 games. Last January, Manchester City purchased the club and on Thursday unveiled Villa and their name rebrand from Melbourne Heart to Melbourne City.
This move is likely a win-win for Man City, as they get to sign a talented player to play in front of crowds in two countries with leagues where Villa could become one of the star players .
——–
What do you think of this news? Surprised to see Villa go to play in Australia while he waits for the 2015 MLS season to begin? Not surprised at all? Think he should have gone on-loan to a team in Europe?
Share your thoughts below.