New York City FC project draws big names like Villa and Lampard to MLS

Chance to start 'from ground zero' a novel opportunity for players who have experienced world football's highest levels

New York City FC striker David Villa. Sharon Latham / AP Images

New York’s sporting scenery grows bigger and broader this weekend when New York City FC, the first Major League Soccer club based in the five boroughs (the New York Red Bulls play on the other side of the Hudson River), play their first competitive game.

They begin on Sunday, away at the other new franchise, Orlando City. It is Kaka against David Villa, the 2007 World Player of the Year versus the 2010 World Cup winner. A few years ago, they clashed in the clasico. Now they meet in the New World.

Spain’s record goalscorer is New York City’s first captain.

“David is an incredible player and is already a great leader in the team,” said Claudio Reyna, the former United States captain, who is NYCFC’s director of football operations.

In July, Villa will be joined by a second superstar in a city that is a byword for glamour. Their other designated player, Frank Lampard, was expected to be available at the start of the season but will stay with Manchester City for the English season.

Lampard's extended stay at the Etihad Stadium brought controversy. "He doesn't deserve any backlash," Reyna said. "He's very committed. He is only going to make us bigger."

The allure to Uefa Champions League winners lies not just in New York's many tourist attractions, but in a new experience.

“It is something unique for them,” Reyna said. “They have never been part of a project that started from ground zero. They are really enthusiastic about it.”

While Lampard’s delayed arrival has irritated some, others have welcomed them.

“The reception we’ve had in the city has been fantastic,” head coach Jason Kreis said. “You could see New York City has been hungry for a team within the city for a very long time.

“But we’ve got a long way to go until we can start talking about competing with the likes of Yankees and Knicks.”

NYCFC is part of an ambitious plan with a global reach.

"We belong to a really big company and this is our goal – to be up there fighting to win everything," Villa said.

They join Manchester City, Melbourne City and Yokohama F Marinos in the City Football Group, run by the Abu Dhabi United Group.

They are separated by oceans but united by a shared ethos.

“The goal is to do well but play good football,” Reyna said. “To do well and sacrifice playing the right way is not something we want to be about. That is the philosophy at City as well.”

Follow us on Twitter at @NatSportUAE