David Villa would welcome Andrea Pirlo at New York City FC

David Villa has said that he would welcome the opportunity to be joined by Andrea Pirlo at New York City FC.

The 36-year-old midfielder has one year remaining on his current deal at Juventus but has been linked with a switch to the Major League Soccer outfit.

Villa believes that the Italy international would be a popular signing.

"He is a legend," FourFourTwo quotes Villa as saying. "[He is] A very important player for football and also for any footballer.

"I congratulate him on his successful career. I don't know [if he'll come]. If he comes we will welcome him well. But that doesn't depend on us."

Pirlo has been with Juventus since 2011.