Atlético Madrid’s David Villa set for Manchester City’s New York City FC
|
Version 0 of 1. David Villa has announced he will leave Atlético Madrid after the Spain striker received what he described as an “irresistible” offer thought to be from the MLS side New York City FC. The 32-year-old was seen at Manchester’s Bridgewater hospital on Saturday, where he was said to be undergoing a medical for a move to Manchester City’s US franchise. “It is an irresistible project for me and my family, it is very, very good. It is about football and I have to accept it,” Villa said in a message to fans published on the La Liga champions’ website. “I will be a fan of Atlético all my life for what they have given me this year.” Villa moved to Atlético from Barcelona last summer and, leading the attack alongside Diego Costa, helped them win a first La Liga title since 1996. They also came within 90 seconds of winning the Champions League before Real Madrid rallied to claim the title 4-1 after extra time in last weekend’s final in Lisbon. “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,” he added. “I would like to thank the people at Atlético and those that tried to convince me to stay, like Cholo [the head coach, Diego Simeone] and the rest of the coaching staff.” Villa was named in Spain’s 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil, where the defending champions will open their Group B campaign against Holland in Salvador on 13 June before facing Chile and Australia. |