New signing Sean Johnson is counting down the days to January.
The goalkeeper, who was acquired from Atlanta United in Sunday’s half-day trade window, is looking forward to joining up with his new teammates when preseason gets under way in 2017.
The 27-year old admits he’s been impressed by what he’s seen of his new club from afar and is now looking forward to contributing to the cause.
Johnson told NYCFC.com: “I’m extremely pleased to join the club – for me, it’s exciting to open a new chapter in my career.
“From the outside looking in, playing against NYCFC over the past couple of seasons, the style of play really stands out as a reason I wanted to come here – I think learning from, and playing alongside, some of the best players, including the league’s MVP, is another really exciting thing for me.
“To be coached by a brilliant mind like Patrick Vieira’s is another aspect – I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can – it’s going to be a great year.”
Johnson said he had no hesitation in deciding to make this switch at a crucial time in his career.
The Georgia-born goalkeeper was flattered by the level of interest shown in him by Sporting Director Claudio Reyna and Head Coach Patrick Vieira and is now eager to repay the faith shown in him.
“It was massive to speak to Claudio – he expressed how interested the club was,” he reflected.
“As a player, one of the most important things is to play for a franchise that really wants you there and I definitely felt that.
“I want to come in now and hit the ground running. It’s a special feeling as a player to be wanted by a club with this level of ambition.”
Johnson, who knows Mix Diskerud and Khiry Shelton well, having trained alongside them for the USMNT, also revealed that the prospect of playing under Vieira was an important factor in his decision.
Sean said: “Watching Patrick growing up, seeing him play for one of the best club teams there’s ever been, it’s crazy to think that now I’ll be playing under him.
“I know a couple of players from the team who all have great things to say about him – he’s accomplished so much in the game. It’s going to be great for me.
“He said off the bat that our ultimate goal is to win a Championship – we want to build something and I want to be a part of that.”
Johnson also wanted to thank NYCFC supporters for the messages of support he’s received on the day his transfer to Yankee Stadium was confirmed.
He added: “To all the NYCFC fans, I want to say that I’m extremely humbled for all of the messages I’ve received.
“I’m looking forward to coming in and contributing from the start.
“I’ll give it my all and work hard – I want to play a part in bringing a championship to the city of New York. I can’t wait to get going and to play in front of you.”
