Former City and USA skipper Reyna has effectively become NYCFC's first employee and he will be responsible for building the soccer elements of the club’s organisation, including the recruitment of players, coaches and trainers, and other support staff, in preparation for the team’s inaugural MLS season in 2015.

By announcing the appointment of Reyna, Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City, noted Reyna's significant contributions to soccer in the US – both as a player and as the Youth Technical Director of the US Soccer Federation.

"Finding the right person for this role and getting him in place from the start was a priority," said Soriano. "The football culture of New York City FC will be built from this decision, and we believe Claudio is the man who uniquely understands what New York soccer should mean, and how it can benefit from the relationship with Manchester City FC."

Reyna played for the Blues between 2003 and 2007, making 87 appearances during his stay and proving a popular figure among City fans.