Madrid, June 1 (IANS) Spain international David Villa Sunday that he will be joining New York City FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS) next season.
The move means that Villa will leave Atletico Madrid after a single season in which he helped the club win the La Liga title and reach the final of the Champions League for only the second time in their history, reports Xinhua.
Villa confirmed his departure with a video posted on the Atletico Madrid website.
“It is an irresistible project for me and my family. It is very good. It is about football and I have to accept it. I would be a fan of Atletico all my life for what they have given me this year,” said Villa, who joined Atletico last summer from FC Barcelona.
“It has been a great project for me both personally as well as sporting and now I face a new challenge which is what I have always looked to do in my career and my life.”
Villa’s departure means Atletico will have a lot of rebuilding to do as the eyes of Europe appear to be on their successful squad.
Fullback Felipe Luis and striker Diego Costa are rumoured to be on their way to Chelsea along with midfielder Tiago Cardoso while Barcelona are interested in central defender Joao Miranda and midfielder Koke.