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Melbourne City have changed the A-League forever this morning, with the announcement of a name change as well as the signing of Spain’s all-time leading goal scorer David Villa on loan.
After being taken over by Manchester City earlier this year, it was widely assumed that Heart would change their name, and it was confirmed by the club this morning.
They also confirmed a change of kit from red and white to blue and white, with their away kit to pay tribute to the club’s heritage and remain red.
Ferran Soriano, CEO of the City Football Group (CFG) who own Manchester City, Melbourne City and New York City football clubs said that “Following a lengthy consultation with the Club’s members, partners, the FFA and a range of other stakeholders, we believe the changes announced today will strengthen the Club’s ties with the community to which it belongs while expanding its ability to grow commercially and harness the many benefits of belonging to the City family.”
» What David Villa’s arrival means for the A-League
» Melbourne City: The fight for a name
It has been a controversial change, with Sydney FC blocking any move from the new owners to have sky blue as the primary colour on the jersey. But most are of the view the kit change shouldn’t prove too controversial.
Scott Munn, CEO of Melbourne City, added: “The Club has worked hard to create an identity for Melbourne City FC that reflects the traditions of its existing fan base and embraces the many sporting, operational and commercial benefits that are provided by our association with Manchester City FC and New York City FC.”
They have also revealed their new club logo:
Oofffft. This is perfect. pic.twitter.com/RpkUhjHsyJ
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) June 5, 2014
While the announcement of the name change may have been expected, the announcement of David Villa, Spain’s leading goalscorer, joining the club for 10 games was less set in stone.
There had been weeks of whispers leading up to the announcement, but nothing concrete.
The confirmation that the Spanish superstar will join the club before he takes a spot in New York City FC’s side is possibly the biggest signing news in the history of the A-League, with only Alessandro Del Piero rivalling the former Valencia, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid player for profile.
Villa scored 33 goals in 77 performances for Barcelona, 13 goals in 36 for Atletico and an astonishing 108 goals in 158 showings for Valencia.
ANNOUNCEMENT | David Villa will join the Club for a period of the 2014-15 season > http://t.co/9zDkgdOZ8Z pic.twitter.com/LSIvaG06ml
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) June 5, 2014
“It’s very good for me in every sense,” Villa said.
“From a football point of view it’s the opportunity to play in a new league in a different country, and of course it will be ideal for me to get some competitive football in the period before the MLS season gets under way. I’m sure that playing for Melbourne City FC will be a marvellous experience.”
“What I’ve always done throughout my career is do the best I possibly can. That is what I will do for Melbourne City FC in every game that I play for them. I’ll be giving everything for the team, just like I have with every club I’ve played for.”
City Coach John van’t Schip said he was delighted Villa would be joining the Club for part of the 2014-15 campaign.
“David Villa is still at the peak of his game; he is playing his third World Cup in Brazil, has just won the Spanish league and is an instinctive and gifted striker who will contribute significantly to Melbourne City FC,” van’t Schip said.
“We are confident David will be an incredible asset to the playing group and his experiences in Europe and for his country will help our players not only on the pitch, but in training as well”, he added.
The jersey change and the logo will be two of the most controversial changes.
These are the jerseys @Guaje7Villa and the Melbourne City players will wear next season | http://t.co/uxqiHAdxsR pic.twitter.com/LF1LzhPoN0
— FOX SPORTS Football (@FOXFootballLive) June 5, 2014
We put the question out on Twitter, and it’s safe to say people weren’t too impressed by it:
@TheRoarSports Just no.
— Sir Onetwothree (@derpyonethree) June 5, 2014
@TheRoarSports a ram, a whale, a cow, an old ship, a crown….yeh, makes total sense.
— Josh Wakerman (@MorningSportGuy) June 5, 2014
What are your views Roarers? Villa? Name change? Logo? Jersey?
Lots to talk about, that’s for sure.
David Villa Career Highlights:
– David became the first player to score 50 goals for his national team Spain
– All-time leading goal scorer for the Spanish National Team
– Won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 scoring 5 goals and was top goal scorer with 4 goals as Spain won the European Championships in 2008
– He has been named in the Spain squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil
– Won two La Liga titles with Barcelona in 2010/11 and 2012/13 and again with Atlético Madrid in 2013/14
– Won the UEFA Champions league with Barcelona in 2010/2011Player Details
David Villa
DOB: 3 December 1981 (32)
Position: Forward
Place of Birth: Langreo, Spain
Previous Clubs: Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona, Valencia, Real Zaragoza, Sporting Gijon
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