David Villa set for 100th New York City FC appearance against LA Galaxy
Sunday 11 March 2018 17:50, UK
David Villa is set to reach a New York City FC milestone in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday.
The World Cup, La Liga and Champions League winner raised eyebrows in 2014 when he left Atletico Madrid to join the then-new Major League Soccer club in what was viewed as a major statement of intent.
But Villa has starred over the Atlantic, scoring 63 goals over the last three seasons, and will make his 100th appearance for Patrick Vieira's side against LA Galaxy.
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Speaking at New York's famous Rockefeller Center, where NYCFC hosted a 24-hour game between 'Team Villa' and 'Team Vieira' ahead of the club's first home fixture of the new season, Villa said: "I want to bring trophies to New York but I'm very proud to have played 99 games.
"By coming here I wanted to grow as a player, as well as helping the club and Major League Soccer to grow. It's amazing what the club has done in a short space of time. I'm happy to be part of it."
Villa was mentored as a teenager by Sporting Gijon and Barcelona great Enrique Castro 'Quini', who died last month, and he admits Sunday's game could be an emotional affair.
"He was an important person for me, not only for my soccer; he was like family," the striker, now 36, said. "Without his help when I started, I wouldn't have been the player I am now.
"It was a difficult week for me because I could not say goodbye to him. I'll try to score on Sunday."
Heaping praise on the man overseeing the later stages of his playing career, Villa said of Vieira: "He's a really good coach - one who always gives information to the team - and a really good mentor.
"It's a great opportunity for young players to have the chance to train with him every day but for me too - you learn something every day. You can always improve."
Villa is set to lead the line but Vieira will be forced into at least one change to the side that started in the season-opening win over Sporting Kansas City.
Maxime Chanot is suspended, with Cedric Hountondji and Sebastien Ibeagha in contention to replace him.
Watch New York City FC v LA Galaxy live on Sky Sports Mix from 9pm on Sunday.
