Maxi Moralez Talks About Joining NYCFC

February 28, 2017

Maxi Moralez spoke to the press today about joining NYCFC.

When asked how he will feel knowing that all eyes will be on him as he’s going to be playing next to David Villa and Andrea Pirlo he said it’s unlikely people would be watching him while those two are on the same team.

“I figure that the eyes will be on David and Andrea more than anything. I take it with a lot of responsibility, happy that the club has named me a DP. I want work and earn that confidence they’ve put in me, I want to get on the field I want to show what I’ve learned, what I know and I know that for a team that’s so young, getting things (trophies) is important and I’m hoping we can start this year.”

Moralez arrived in NYCFC’s camp two weeks ago and had high praise for David Villa and the rest of the team who have welcomed him with open arms.

“I’m happy with the treatment I’ve gotten over these last two weeks and I’m going to work on learning the language to fit in 100% and do better on and off the pitch. “

Moralez stated several times that learning English is very important to him because he wants to be able to communicate with the entire team.

Maxi joined NYCFC from Mexican side Club Leon after his agent was approached with the opportunity to join the MLS side. “Things moved quickly and everything advanced quickly so I didn’t have a doubt about coming here when I heard about the opportunity” Moralez told reporters.

This comes after reports that NYCFC had their DP offer for Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe rejected by the player, which forced NYCFC to look elsewhere to occupy the third DP spot left vacant by Frank Lampard.

Aside from learning English, NYCFC’s latest DP is still learning the team’s game plan from Patrick Vieira. “Villa has helped a lot with the day to day, with what the coach asks from us” he said. “Fortunately the coach speaks Italian so we can communicate in the same language which is important obviously, but the basics so far have been the positions and what he wants from me.” said Moralez about his interactions with Vieira so far.

While Moralez himself isn’t sure where he will play in the lineup despite playing two friendlies in midfield so far, he told reporters that he will play wherever Vieira thinks he makes the best impact.

While he admit he didn’t know much about either New York City or MLS before joining, he said the team itself was well known and players around the world talk about the league because it’s growing so quickly.

Moralez said that like any good Argentine, soccer is in his blood.

“It’s brought me great things, away from things that today I regret, but soccer has given me so much, the chance to see different countries and places and has helped my family and that’s what I want to share with the kids and everyone else.”

While we have seen limited amounts of Moralez on the field, we know for sure he will be an excellent ambassador for the club.