New York City FC’s fourth MLS campaign is less than 50 days away.
With Preseason 2018 kicking off on Monday, the hype is ramping up more with each passing hour.
However, we commence today’s media roundup by looking a little further ahead, to the summer, with some quotes from your favorite captain and mine, Mr. David Villa.
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Spain’s all-time leading goalscorer has been discussing his prospects of appearing at the next FIFA World Cup in Russia, following his recall last September.
El Guaje made his first appearance since 2014 back then before an injury sustained in training cruelly cut his time back with Los Rojos short.
"The only thing I can do is to give my best for New York City FC when the league starts in March," Villa told EFE while attending a conference of the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) in Miami.
"We shall then see what happens. I'm sure the national team coach will look at every option available for his attack just as he will do for other positions. In the end, he will decide on who are the most suitable for the team. I will work hard. I would be delighted if it happens."
Whether he gets called up again or not, Villa will be on your screens this summer on the History Channel where he’ll be featuring heavily in their new “History of Football” series.
In the run-up to the World Cup, the History Channel will be celebrating the beautiful game with two weeks of worldwide and localized programming.
Three original series have been commissioned as part of the programming bloc, each running to five installments: “Football’s Greatest: Head to Head,” “History’s Greatest Moments in Football,” and “Football Godfathers.”
Villa said: “It gives my fellow players, coaches, and myself an opportunity to talk about what the game means to us and also to relive so many incredible memories.”
Sounds like one not to miss!
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Moving on, NYCFC have already been busy in the offseason, bringing in seven players to date: Cedric Hountondji, Jesus Medina, Saad Abdul-Salaam, Brad Stuver, Ismael Tajouri and Anton Tinnerholm.
The MLS SuperDraft takes place in Philadelphia on Friday, so more incomings could be on the way, leading Hudson River Blue’s Ben Schleider to speculate on which college player NYCFC could take with their 19th pick in the First Round.
Schleider writes: “With the 19th pick we went with forward/winger Alan Winn out of the University of North Carolina.
Much of the offseason has been devoted to the defense thus far, so offense was definitely our focus of the mock draft.
Winn provides some versatility with his ability to play up front or out wide and his speed could add a much needed boost to an offense that ran out of steam toward the end of last season.”
Will it turn out that way? You’ll have to stay tuned to our channels on Friday morning to find out – the MLS SuperDraft begins at 11am ET.
Finally, former City fan favorite Kwadwo Poku has a new home after joining Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala.
Goal USA carries the story: “Ghana striker Kwadwo Poku has joined Russian side FC Anzhi Makhachkala from Miami FC in a two-year deal, the two clubs have confirmed.
“The 25-year-old caught the eye of Anzhi boss Vadim Skripchenko following his splendid performance for Miami in the North American Soccer League last season.”
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Join the Club and become a City Member today to secure your seats for all 17 home matches by calling 855-77-NYCFC or go to www.nycfc.com/tickets.
