In an interview with FutbolMLS.com this week, New York City gaffer Patrick Vieira said that NYCFC doesn’t necessarily insist on replacing departing midfielder Frank Lampard with another household name.

A very adamant Vieira had the following to say:

“There are people who have the wrong perception. In our game, big names do not mean everything. The important thing is performance. I am sure that NYCFC fans prefer footballers who surrender through the club, who work hard in the field, who make the team win matches. The name does not help you win games, the quality of the player does.”

Vieira also noted that he is not at all worried about City only having 19 players signed going in the middle stretch of January, assuring fans that the club’s priority is bringing in players that fit into his system. "This period is normal,” Vieria said. “We are talking to players and we are making sure to bring the right people. We want players who understand the philosophy of the club.”

“And sometimes it's not easy, because there are good players, but they have other ideas.”

As an NYC fan, this news comes as a great relief. We want players who care about the club and give it 150% every time they step out onto the pitch, and not ones that are looking for that one last fat paycheck.

With the club signing players like USL MVP and Golden Boot winner Sean Okoli and goalkeeper Sean Johnson, as well as acquiring Panamanian international Miguel Camargo on season-long loan with an option to buy, it seems that City is dedicated to signing young players with good upside who fit snugly into Vieira’s philosophy and can provide positive contributions not just in the near future, but for a number of years to come.

And if the aforementioned news of younger, more lasting players wasn’t good enough, Vieira gave fans another revelation: left back and fan-favorite Ronald Matarrita isn’t going anywhere!

The dynamic Costa Rican defender has been rumored to be sought after by many clubs abroad, including Germany giants Borussia Dortmund. However, according to Vieira these rumors are false and baseless.

"We had no team asking for him. If we had had an offer and the player wants to go, then we would have sat down and talked. But we always knew that Matarrita was going to be in our plan this 2017. And I can say 100 percent sure that 'Mata' is not going anywhere right now."

As our very own Sam Dunn has already proclaimed: HE IS OURS! YOU CAN’T HAVE HIM!

For now, anyway.