Villa gets extension, will stay with NYCFC
Class, on and off the field. That’s what David Villa has represented in MLS, and what his club NYCFC hopes will continue for at least another season.
Villa, 35, announced a oneyear contract extension Wednesday during an event with students at P.S. 49 in the South Bronx, not far from where he threw out the first pitch on the same day at Yankee Stadium. His agent told the Daily News that Villa’s current salary – which the player’s union lists at $5.6 million (fifthmost in MLS) — will remain the same.
The reigning league MVP added that his decision to stay through the 2018 season was a no-brainer.
“It was one of the easiest in my career because I am so happy here,” Villa told The News, adding that he never considered any other offers. “I enjoy the day-by-day with the club. The club understands my contract. So it was easy.”
Villa, of Spain, has indeed thrived under circumstances where previous European stars had faltered, with former NYCFC teammate Frank Lampard (retired) and current one Andrea Pirlo (benched in his last game) serving as recent disappointing examples.
But Villa has been an exemplary player and leader from the moment he arrived in the U.S. as NYCFC’s first signing, becoming the team’s first captain and prominent bilingual spokesman. Villa worked to break down the language barrier soon after moving to Manhattan, learning from an English-language instructor for four months before soaking in the rest through conversation and TV.
Last season Villa started doing media in English.
“You couldn’t ask for anymore. He’s such an honest, hardworking guy, he’s a family man, and just his willingness to support the club in anyway we ask of him,” NYCFC president Jon Patricof said. “I think he sets that incredible tone and example.”
The combination of Villa’s humility and patience was on display Wednesday, when he held a press conference in front of elementary students at P.S. 49 — fielding with smiles such questions as, “Do you like soccer?”
He then played soccer with those students on a concrete field outside the school, though certainly not at the same frenetic pace he used to score 41 goals in two-plus seasons with NYCFC.