Former City and USA skipper Reyna has effectively become NYCFC’s first employee and he will be responsible for building the soccer elements of the club’s organisation, including the recruitment of players, coaches and trainers, and other support staff, in preparation for the team’s inaugural MLS season in 2015.
New York City FC, the Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team was unveiled yesterday as part of a partnership of global sports powers -- Manchester City FC and the New York Yankees. The Club will become MLS’s 20th team.
By announcing the appointment of Reyna, Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City, noted Reyna’s significant contributions to soccer in the US – both as a player and as the Youth Technical Director of the US Soccer Federation.
“Finding the right person for this role and getting him in place from the start was a priority,” said Soriano. “The football culture of New York City FC will be built from this decision, and we believe Claudio is the man who uniquely understands what New York soccer should mean, and how it can benefit from the relationship with Manchester City FC.”
Reyna played for the Blues between 2003 and 2007, making 87 appearances during his stay and proving a popular figure among City fans.
Winner of 111 caps for the USA, he returned to America to finish his career with the club who will now be his cross-city rivals – New York Red Bulls.
“Having had the privilege of playing both for my country here in the US and for Manchester City, I could not have hoped for a more tailored-made opportunity in soccer,” said Reyna.
“I am incredibly excited to again wear City’s ‘Sky Blue’ as part of the expansion of the MLS and the growth of soccer in the United States, and am honoured to have been offered this opportunity.
“With a large fan base through the New York area, prime television rights and distribution, sponsorship commitments, and the Yankees as a US partner, the New York City Football Club has everything in place to succeed.”
Reyna will work closely with Manchester City’s Brian Marwood, Managing Director of City Football Academy, Txiki Begiristain, Director of Football, and World Cup Winner Patrick Vieira, Head of Elite Development Squad, as the New York City FC organisation takes shape, and operating philosophy takes hold.
