The original Cosmos crest, used until 1977 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The New York Cosmos announced on Thursday that Villarreal legend and former European Champion Marcos Senna has signed with the club, pending a physical exam. Senna is set to make his debut on American soil on August 3, when the Cosmos open their reboot season in the NASL at Hofstra University.
“This is a very special moment for me in joining the Cosmos because I face a new challenge, but at the same time it has been a difficult decision to leave Villarreal after 11 seasons,” Senna said. “I want to thank Giovanni Savarese, Remy Cherin and my agents Ely Coimbra and Hector Peris for helping me make this move possible.”
Senna, 36, began his career in Brazil but spent the past 11 seasons at Villarreal CF where he was recognized as one of the top midfielders in La Liga, Spain’s top league. Senna has also served as captain of both Villarreal and the Spanish National team.
On the international stage, Senna has 28 caps for the Spanish national team. He was a vital part of the Spanish team that won the Euro 2008 and was also selected to the UEFA Team of the Tournament.
“We are delighted to add Marcos Senna to the New York Cosmos,” Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “His reputation in the game and his achievements over his career on the field speak for themselves – he’s the type of player that makes everyone on his team better and his leadership and experience will be invaluable for us.”
Off the pitch, Senna runs the Marcos Senna Foundation, which is a non-profit organization created to support and contribute to the welfare of the most needy, with a focus on children. The aim of the Foundation is the promotion and development of activities, programs and events in order to achieve the said goal.
For more information fans are encouraged to visit http://www.fundacionmarcossenna.org