Spanish striker David Villa, who was one of the biggest stars in Major League Soccer in the past four years, will no longer play for New York City FC. Villa made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that his decision to leave New York doesn’t mean he’ll retire from soccer.

Speaking with NYCFC.com, the 36-year-old paid tribute to the club and its supporters as well as everyone else who helped him feel at home in NY.

“My experience here was amazing.” – said Villa. “It gave me everything as a soccer player, as a person, and as a family man. I’ll always remember this experience with love. My heart is here and I’m an NYCFC supporter forever.”

7⃣ #VillaForever pic.twitter.com/4ai0dXPr9c

— New York City FC (@NYCFC) November 28, 2018

David Villa joined New York City FC ahead of their inaugural season in MLS and has served as the team’s first captain. He played a total of 119 games for New York in all competitions, scoring 76 goals in the process. During his time in the league, Villa was named to MLS All-Star team for four consecutive seasons while being part of MLS Best XI in 2016 and 2017.

Prior to coming to the United States, David Villa had an illustrious career in Europe where he played for Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid among other teams. He won 12 trophies during that time, including three La Liga titles and one Champions League.

Villa also had great success playing for Spain men’s national team with whom he won UEFA European Championship in 2008 and World Cup in 2010.

The post David Villa Announces His Departure from New York City FC appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Soccer fans in the United States who are planning to attend the 2018 MLS All-Star Game against Juventus were handed some disappointing news on Monday. It turns out that two of the biggest MLS stars, LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and NYCFC’s David Villa, won’t be able to participate in the game. Ibrahimovic decided to withdraw his name due to fatigue. Galaxy cited the fact that the 36-year-old played three matches in a row alongside the travel involved as the reason for the decision.

“I am disappointed to miss the 2018 All-Star Game against Juventus, one of my former clubs,” – Ibrahimovic told the LA Galaxy official website. “I want to thank the fans for voting me to the team. My main focus is to score goals and help the LA Galaxy to the playoffs.”

David Villa, on the other hand, will miss the MLS All-Star Game since he won’t be able to recover from his injury in time for the game. New York Red Bulls’ midfielder Tyler Adams and Minnesota United’s forward Darwin Quintero will be in the squad for the match against Juventus instead.

According to MLS rules, both Ibrahimovic and Villa won’t be able to play in the next MLS game their clubs are scheduled to play.

2018 MLS All-Star Game will be held on August 1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with Atlanta United’s coach Tata Martino coaching the MLS All-Stars.

The post Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Villa Withdraw from MLS All-Star Game appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Spanish striker David Villa, who was one of the biggest stars in Major League Soccer in the past four years, will no longer play for New York City FC. Villa made the announcement on Wednesday, saying that his decision to leave New York doesn’t mean he’ll retire from soccer.

Speaking with NYCFC.com, the 36-year-old paid tribute to the club and its supporters as well as everyone else who helped him feel at home in NY.

“My experience here was amazing.” – said Villa. “It gave me everything as a soccer player, as a person, and as a family man. I’ll always remember this experience with love. My heart is here and I’m an NYCFC supporter forever.”

7⃣ #VillaForever pic.twitter.com/4ai0dXPr9c

— New York City FC (@NYCFC) November 28, 2018

David Villa joined New York City FC ahead of their inaugural season in MLS and has served as the team’s first captain. He played a total of 119 games for New York in all competitions, scoring 76 goals in the process. During his time in the league, Villa was named to MLS All-Star team for four consecutive seasons while being part of MLS Best XI in 2016 and 2017.

Prior to coming to the United States, David Villa had an illustrious career in Europe where he played for Valencia, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid among other teams. He won 12 trophies during that time, including three La Liga titles and one Champions League.

Villa also had great success playing for Spain men’s national team with whom he won UEFA European Championship in 2008 and World Cup in 2010.

The post David Villa Announces His Departure from New York City FC appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Soccer fans in the United States who are planning to attend the 2018 MLS All-Star Game against Juventus were handed some disappointing news on Monday. It turns out that two of the biggest MLS stars, LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and NYCFC’s David Villa, won’t be able to participate in the game. Ibrahimovic decided to withdraw his name due to fatigue. Galaxy cited the fact that the 36-year-old played three matches in a row alongside the travel involved as the reason for the decision.

“I am disappointed to miss the 2018 All-Star Game against Juventus, one of my former clubs,” – Ibrahimovic told the LA Galaxy official website. “I want to thank the fans for voting me to the team. My main focus is to score goals and help the LA Galaxy to the playoffs.”

David Villa, on the other hand, will miss the MLS All-Star Game since he won’t be able to recover from his injury in time for the game. New York Red Bulls’ midfielder Tyler Adams and Minnesota United’s forward Darwin Quintero will be in the squad for the match against Juventus instead.

According to MLS rules, both Ibrahimovic and Villa won’t be able to play in the next MLS game their clubs are scheduled to play.

2018 MLS All-Star Game will be held on August 1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with Atlanta United’s coach Tata Martino coaching the MLS All-Stars.

The post Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Villa Withdraw from MLS All-Star Game appeared first on SportzBonanza.