Preseason is days away and David Villa is already setting his sights high for 2017.
The reigning MLS MVP spearheaded his team’s run to the Playoffs in 2016 but he wants even more from NYCFC in the club’s third season.
In a Facebook Live Q&A with Rachel Bonnetta and Stuart Holden for FOX Soccer, David spoke of his love for the league and hailed the impact of Head Coach Patrick Vieira in his first campaign.
David told Fox Soccer: “The objective clearly is to fight for the MLS Cup – the good thing in this league is that all 22 teams start the season and have a chance to win the league. In Spain, 15 or 16 teams have no chance to win the league, so it’s amazing here for that.
“The supporters, the passion of the people in the stadium, the competitiveness of the league, the challenge to become the first team is very, very good.
“I believe in this league, I believe in this country about the soccer and I live everything I say day by day. The impact of MLS is great, not just in America but all the world. People everywhere I go ask me about this league and people want to come and play here.
“We are lucky to have Patrick as a coach – his work with the staff is strong and he gives a lot to the team. A big reason for our improvement as a team last year was Patrick.
“It’s everything – the day by day, the team understand the rules inside the field better, so I think from my point of view next year we will be better, we’ll improve and be stronger. We are only two years old but we are on the right track.”
Villa was also quizzed on what it’s like to play alongside Andrea Pirlo.
The pair have faced off on opposite sides on a number of occasions in Europe throughout their storied careers but now David is happy to have Il Maestro conducting from the same hymn sheet in the US.
“It’s a great opportunity to play with Pirlo – he’s a great guy,” Villa reflected.
“It’s a good challenge for me to play with him and to have him on travels and in the locker room.
“I played against him a lot of times in the Champions League and for our national teams – now it’s great to play together and have him as a teammate.”
Finally, David was asked what his favorite thing about living in New York City was and one place stood out for gun above the rest.
He added: “The city is amazing – I came here to play soccer but I’ve had the chance to live in this amazing city which is great for me and my family. We go a lot to Central Park and I love it there.”
