Andrea Pirlo is joining the MLS, with an incredibly lucrative move to New York City FC, following in fellow former European superstar Frank Lampard and David Villa. Sources at New York City FC have shot down the notion that the Italian will perhaps join New York City FC’s sister club, Manchester City, as he is expected to sign an 18-month contract withNew York City FC.

New York City FC looks like it’s wanting to engage itself in the similar way as with Frank Lampard who was transferred from English football earlier this year. The move came after the 36-year-old Lampard signed with New York City FC on Monday.

The Spanish-to-America Migration

After several weeks rife with speculation, Pirlo left the reigning Serie A champion side Juventus and opted for signing up with a deal with New York City FC for a record $7 million annual deal. Pirlo will join the MLS officially on Tuesday, July 21st.

He will be readily available for team selection the instant he lands at the club and is unveiled. In his words, Pirlo stated that he has been yearning for this experience for the longest time, and whence the opportunity materialized, he just had to seize the moment.

One of the reasons why Pirlo was looking to sign with New York City FC is the enthusiasm, and the thrill fans come to watch the team in action. Pirlo marks the club’s third designated player alongside David Villa and Frank Lampard.

The Other Designates

Frank Lampard is a former English national team midfielder. He leaves behind a 14-year career at Chelsea to see what he’s got left in the tank. Lampard has been loaned to Manchester City after signing up with New York City Club FC last summer.

Initial reports indicated that Lampard would sign up with the MLS team for the start season; however, the loan move was granted another extension. The move did not go down well with many MLS fans as they expected to watch Frank Lampard on the field immediately.

David Villa is a former international Spanish league top scorer who comes with a wealth of success as a member of the Spanish national team and a professional club player. Villa is credited with leading Spain to the 2010 World Cup title and he’s their all-time leading goal scorer.

On a domestic level, Villa has La Liga titles under his belt, the first with Barcelona and the second with Atletico Madrid.