Villa extends New York City stay
City head coach Patrick Vieira welcomed Villa's decision to put pen to paper
NEW YORK (AFP) - David Villa has extended his stay in Major League Soccer for at least another season after inking a deal through to the end of 2018, New York City FC announced on Wednesday.
The former Spain and Barcelona star, who joined the club in 2014 and is the reigning league Most Valuable Player, said remaining in New York was a straightforward decision.
"I m so happy here in this city and at this club, I am fit and I can do things on the pitch - I m not ready to go to the sidelines," the 35-year-old striker said.
"That s why continuing here and signing this contract was a really easy decision for me."
Villa has been one of the most successful overseas stars in the history of MLS, scoring 46 goals in 70 games for the ambitious franchise owned by the same group that runs English Premier League side Manchester City.
City head coach Patrick Vieira welcomed Villa s decision to put pen to paper.
"It s really good news for me, it s good news for the club and it s good news for David, especially when you look at the way he s been playing and the amount of goals he s scored," Villa said.
"The club wanted to give him another year and he wanted to stay for another year. All of the parties are really happy and I m personally really pleased that he will be with us for that time."
Villa, a member of Spain s 2010 World Cup-winning side, has made another strong MLS start this season, scoring five goals in seven games, including a 53-yard volley against the Philadelphia Union last month.
