Former Spain striker David Villa has claimed that the reason behind his move to New York City FC is not for financial reasons. The striker recently ended his glittering career in European football after deciding to join New York City FC on a free transfer. His contract with Atletico Madrid came to an end last season and he decided not to stay in European football despite being only 32 years old. The striker has had a spectacular career in which he has represented the likes of Valencia, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. They have helped him win a whole host of trophies including several league titles, Copa del Rey titles, and the Champions League.

He has also been highly successful at international level by becoming Spain’s record goalscorer of all-time. His goals have been the basis behind the Spanish national team winning numerous accolades since 2008. Villa is one of the few players in the world to have lifted the Champions League and the World Cup. However, there have been suggestions that he has tried to take advantage of this incredible popularity be moving to New York City FC, who have just been formed and will not be playing in MLS until the 2015 season. He says that he wants to be a part of building a great franchise.

“I came to New York strictly for sporting reasons, not because of anything else. The team presented me with a great project that I want to be a part of. Realistically, living in New York is like living anywhere else so the opportunity to live there really wasn’t a factor for me joining the club. I thought it was the right time and the right opportunity. I take it as a new challenge. In Europe I had won all the championships possible so I saw this as a good challenge to help a new club reach important goals,” said Villa.