David Villa leaves New York City FC

David Villa, one of MLS’s biggest stars, has announced he is leaving New York City FC.

The Spanish star and former World Cup soccer winner spent four seasons with the team, as the first captain in its history. He intends to continue his career, but did not specify where.

Villa is quitting after totaling 80 goals in 124 MLS games for the NYCFC. Villa scored early in his MLS career in 2015, rocking the strings in the team’s opener at Yankee Stadium and completed his debut season with 18.

Villa added 23 the following year, and he led the team to the playoffs for the first time.

In 2017, he scored 24, including off-schedule games, even though he played fewer games than the previous season.

In his last season with the NYCFC, Villa was plagued by injuries, which didn’t stop him from getting 15 goals, a team-high, in 23 starts.

In announcing his departure, Villa paid tribute to almost everyone associated with the team.

“I can only say thank you, thank you everyone,” Villa said on Wednesday.

“First to the City Football Group which gave me the chance to come here. To NYCFC and MLS, for accepting me. To everyone on the team who helped me day in and day out. Thank you to the employees in the offices, the people who work with the team, the coaches and the staff. Thanks to my teammates – without whom it would have been impossible to have success. Thank you to the people in the media who have always shown me respect and love. I remember the first day I showed the jersey and the fans were there. I would have liked to have given fans an MLS cup, but I have no doubt the team will get it in the years to come. ”

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