David Villa would welcome Andrea Pirlo signing with NYC FC

Omnisport

David Villa would welcome Andrea Pirlo signing with NYC FC image

David Villa is in the dark about whether Andrea Pirlo is about to sign with New York City FC (SN sources are more sure), but the former Spain international has no doubt that he would relish playing alongside the dynamic playmaker. 

Pirlo, 36, linked with a move to the MLS franchise in multiple media reports, attended a Yankees game over the weekend and was pictured Tuesday taking a stroll around the SoHo area of New York with his son. His signing could come as early as next week, the New York Post reported.

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He has a year remaining on his current contract with Juventus, who he helped win a fourth straight Serie A title last season as well as reach the UEFA Champions League final in Berlin. 

"He is a legend, a very important player for football and also for any footballer," said Villa, a striker who moved to the U.S. last year after a trophy-laden career in Europe with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Real Zaragoza. "I congratulate him on his successful career. I don't know [if he'll come]. If he comes we will welcome him well. But that doesn't depend on us."

Regardless of whether Pirlo relocates to New York, the arrival of Villa and Frank Lampard have added star quality to Jason Kreis' team, a point not lost on goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald. 

"We'll have all these unbelievable players," Fitzgerald said. "It's just a real honor to be part of the club with them, and I'm obviously really excited about it all. We'll see what happens."

Omnisport