New York City FC appoint Reyna

New MLS franchise New York City FC have appointed former USA international Claudio Reyna as their director of football.

City will become the 20th MLS franchise in 2015 after Manchester City and the New York Yankees announced a partnership to fund them.

Reyna, a former Manchester City player, will become the first employee of the new club that was unveiled on Tuesday and will be responsible for building the structure of the outfit, including the recruitment of players, coaches and trainers, and other support staff.

“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 tailor-made opportunity in soccer,” Reyna said.

“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.”

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano praised Reyna and was confident that he is right man to help build the club in preparation for their entry in the MLS.

“Finding the right person for this role and getting him in place from the start was a priority,” he said.

“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.”