New York announces the departure of the Spanish striker Villa

Former Spanish international striker David Villa, who has been defending his colors since 2014, will leave him at the age of 36 with a new team, the New York club announced on Wednesday.

"David Villa will leave New York at the end of his contract on December 31, 2018 and his destination will be announced in the coming days," the club said in a statement.

VIA, crowned with the 2008 Europe Cup and the 2010 World Cup with Spain, joined Atletico Madrid in 2014 in New York before forming the US team and the beginning of his professional league career in March 2015.

Via has scored 80 goals in 124 league games in the Manchester United City League for Abu Dhabi United 's development and investment group of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"All I can say is thank you … I would like to give the title of champion to our fans, but I have no doubt that the club will be crowned hero in the years to come" said the 59-year-old.

New York City has participated in the last three seasons but has always been eliminated in the semifinals (quarter-finals).