Former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera is New York City FC's first-ever season-ticket holder.
The 44-year old Panamanian has been announced as the MLS expansion franchise's number one ticket holder ahead of their entry into the USA and Canada's top flight in 2015.
13-time Major League Baseball All-Star Rivera, who was a closing pitcher for the Yankees over 19 seasons, was thrilled to have been given the chance to show his support for the freshest sporting team in New York.
"I'm proud to be the first one. I'm used to being a closer, always the last one. I'm a starter now," said Rivera at a press conference.
"I'm a big supporter of the team. I wish the team the best. Definitely, you guys will have my support. And hopefully many fans will come.
"In NYC, we have a lot of people who love soccer. I always said soccer was and is still my No. 1 game. Baseball was just what I did in between."
As for potential part-ownership of the franchise, Rivera added: "I haven't been approached yet, but if it comes I'd have to consider it.
"It would be nice to be a part of it. But that's something that hasn't been brought up."
