New York Cosmos have pulled off a coup by signing Spanish midfielder Ayoze Garcia Perez.
Known simply as Ayoze, the 27-year old winger has signed with the MLS hopefuls from homeland club Sporting Gijon and is excited about the challenge in front of him.
"When I received the offer from the Cosmos, the interest, it was my first choice because of the history. It's a very, very well-known club in Europe with a very good reputation,'' Ayoze told the NY Post.
"Now it's a big (mission) trying to put the club back to the level they've had in the past.
"This is my first time in New York. I'm very surprised for the snowstorm; but it's a dream to live in a city like New York, and have the possibility of playing football, so I'm happy for it.
"I'm a soccer player, so I'm coming here to do my job, and that's playing soccer for a club with the history and reputation the Cosmos have. Obviously living in New York is good, but not the main reason for me coming here."
Ayoze kicked off his career with Tenerife in 2002 and made over 160 league appearances during his time there, which included a loan at Las Palmas, prior to his 2010 shift to Gijon.
