David Villa departed New York City after the 2018 MLS season as his career took him to Japan to join Vissel Kobe. Now, the Spanish star is returning to New York in a different sort of role.
The USL announced on Tuesday that Villa and co-owner Jonathan Krane, CEO of KraneShares, have been awarded a franchise in Queens, NY. The club, called Queensboro FC, will begin play in 2021, in the USL Championship, the top tier of American soccer's lower division.
Queensboro FC will host home matches in a new stadium at York College in Queens while also holding select matches at Citi Field.