But Villa has been an exemplary player and leader from the moment he arrived in in the U.S. as NYCFC's first signing, becoming the team's first captain and prominent bilingual spokesman. Villa worked to break down the language barrier soon after moving to Manhattan, learning from an English-language instructor for four months before soaking in the rest through conversation and TV. It was a commitment not shown from a previous Spanish-speaking star who signed with MLS - former Red Bull Rafa Marquez - who turned into the poster child for big-signing busts because he viewed the league as unworthy of his talents.