New York City FC's David Villa wins ESPYS' Best MLS Player award
New York City FC striker David Villa has been named the Best MLS Player at the 2017 ESPYS awards.
Villa, 35, picked up the accolade after netting 23 goals last season as NYCFC reached the Major League Soccer playoffs for the first time, and following his 12-goal contribution so far this term, which has helped his team to up third in the Eastern Conference.
Villa, the current MLS MVP, saw off competition from Philadelphia Union's Andre Blake, Seattle Sounders' Stefan Frei, FC Dallas' Matt Hedges and New York Red Bulls' Bradley Wright-Phillips to win the award.
"I'm very happy and proud to receive this award on behalf of all of my teammates and coaches who help me every day to score goals and to win games for NYCFC," Villa told his club's official website.
"Ever since I came to this club I've been living an amazing dream in this incredible city playing for this great club and its passionate fans. Thank you to everyone who voted for me for this prestigious award -- it means so much to me."
Villa follows in the footsteps of David Beckham, Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry in winning the ESPYS' Best MLS Player award.
