Taty always has a way with connecting with the fans and here is a moment in time black and white photo of the forward when he interacted with the supporters at Yankee Stadium. By: Stacy Podelski/1495Sports
One of the many joys that fans of New York City FC have is the fact that they are able to see many greats in the world of soccer playing for the club.
Since joining Major League Soccer in 2015, the franchise has been able to bring in some big-time names while doing a tremendous job in developing the next generation of stars in the sport.
Some of the names that NYCFC has been able to bring in are stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Maxi Moralez and David Villa to only name a few.
In addition, fans were able to see the development of players such as Sean Johnson now with Toronto FC, Jack Harrison now with Leeds and Valentin Castellanos.
Also known as Taty the forward joining the Boys in Blue during the 2018 season after having played with CFG club Montevideo City Torque instantly captured the hearts of New York fans everywhere with his style of play.
With his time with NYCFC Taty scored 53 goals, helping with 19 assists in 116 regular season and MLS Playoff appearances and is a huge reason why the team won the MLC Cup during their incredible run in 2021.
Thanks to his stellar play Taty was able to recapture the eyes La Liga Club Girona on a season-long loan. The forward continued to impress as he scored four goals in Girona’s victory over Real Madrid.
That performance is one that is always going to be in the record books in the world of soccer, as he is the first player to score four goals against Real Madrid in a league match since December 1947, when Esteban Echevarría scored five goals for Oviedo in a 7–1 victory.
With all of his hard work and efforts it was announced by New York City FC that because of his fine play Taty is going to get to play with Castellanos to Italian side S.S. Lazio and doing so on one of the highest MLS record transfer fees in history.
Sporting Director David Lee said: “Everyone at the Club is extremely proud of Taty for earning this move to S.S. Lazio and continuing to show what a special player he is. After a fantastic season in LaLiga with Girona FC last year, Taty will again have the opportunity to play in one of the best leagues in the world while also competing in the Champions League next season.”
“It’s an incredible story and we’re delighted to have played a part in his development. From the moment Taty arrived in New York, his quality, dedication and professionalism were apparent, and it is little surprise that he will continue his career progression at the highest levels in Europe. It also continues to show that NYCFC and City Football Group is a fantastic environment for players to improve and develop.”
“Taty is a legend here at NYCFC and will be especially remembered for his feats in 2021, winning the Golden Boot and helping the Club win its first MLS Cup. We all wish Taty the best and are excited to follow his journey in Italy.”
Taty is going to always have a special place in the hearts of NYCFC fans and in the franchises record books, as he is only the second player in NYCFC history to score 50 plus goals for the club. In addition, he became the only player in franchise history to score four goals in a single game during the team’s 6-0 victory against Real Salt Lake in 2022.
Castellanos has this to say: “I’d like to sincerely thank everyone at NYCFC and City Football Group for always looking after me so well and for making this move possible. It’s like being part of a family. I’d also like to thank the fans who have always believed in me and supported me every single game.”
“I will always be an NYCFC fan. The Club and the amazing people there have played such an important role in my career and my life. It has always been a dream of mine to play in Europe and in the Champions League and I couldn’t be more excited.”
It has been a joy to have Taty on the NYCFC roster and the pitch and he is one to watch for as the S.S. Lazio season progresses, all the best to Taty in the next step in his soccer career.
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