David Villa leaving New York City FC

David Villa, one of the biggest stars in MLS, is leaving New York City FC. The Spanish star and World Cup winner spent four seasons with the club as its first captain. He plans to continue playing but has not said where. Villa departs after scoring 80 goals in 124 MLS appearances for NYCFC.

NEW YORK >> David Villa, one of the biggest stars in MLS, is leaving New York City FC.

The Spanish star and World Cup winner spent four seasons with the club as its first captain. He plans to continue playing but has not said where.

Villa departs after scoring 80 goals in 124 MLS appearances for NYCFC. He paid tribute to virtually everyone associated with the franchise, as well as to the team’s fans, in a news release Wednesday announcing his departure.

“I can only say thank you, thank you to everybody,” Villa said. “First, to City Football Group that gave me the opportunity to come here. To NYCFC and MLS for accepting me. To everybody at the club who helped me day by day. Thank you to the people in the offices, the people working with the team and the coaches and staff. Thank you to my teammates — without them it would have been impossible to be successful. Thank you to the people working in the media that always gave me the respect and the love.

“I remember the first day I showed the jersey and the supporters were there. I would have liked to give the supporters the MLS Cup, but I don’t have any doubts that in the next years the club will get it for sure.”