NYCFC midfielder Sebastian Velasquez told spectators at the Etihad Stadium how proud he is to be given the opportunity to represent the city of New York.
Velasquez and teammates Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Chris Wingert and Ned Grabavoy were invited onto the field at half time between Manchester City and Hull City on Saturday to share their training camp experiences and talk about the club’s historic first season, which begins March 8 at Orlando City SC.
Welcomed onto the field with cheers and applause, Velasquez told the watching fans: “This is a great opportunity to represent New York and City Football.”
Speaking afterwards, he was keen to emphasise the unique opportunities being offered to him and his teammates both in preseason and beyond.
The 23-year-old is enjoying his first few weeks with his new side, and admitted that this is a completely different preseason to any he has experienced before.
“It was unbelievable," Velasquez said. "As a kid you grow up watching these games and playing as these teams on video games and suddenly we are here at the stadium. We had the opportunity to speak in front of thousands of people and represent our team and the whole of New York, which was amazing.
“No other team in MLS is having opportunities like this, with preseason training in Manchester at these incredible facilities and to go to the Etihad Stadium, which is an unbelievable opportunity for us to get used to being in an atmosphere like this.”
His time at the Etihad Stadium also exposed the Colombian-American to the huge support that head coach Jason Kreis and his men continue to enjoy outside of the United States.
NYCFC is an exciting prospect for fans all over the world, as well as within the five boroughs.
“We’re getting incredible support here," Velasquez said. "You can see from the loud cheers they gave us when we were on the pitch that they’re with us and supporting us every step of the way. It’s amazing to know we have all this support not just in the U.S., but here in England and around the world, too.”
Ned Grabavoy added: “We’ve already created a good fan base and we’re really excited for the season to start. It’s certainly a privilege to have a great opportunity like we do.”
