Manchester City chief Ferran Soriano says they're proud to see Frank Lampard and David Villa sign for MLS partners New York City FC.
Soriano believes that City's involvement was critical in persuading the two men to move to America.
"One of reasons David Villa and Frank Lampard decided to come to New York is because they know who manages and who owns the club," he said. "We have some very bright star players, young players in Europe we might ask them to come to New York to play before they play at Manchester City. There are all sorts of advantages.
"I think this will raise the bar for the whole league. I think we will push the bar and others will follow."
