New York City Football Club can today announce that midfielder Maxi Moralez will leave the Club to join Argentinian side Racing Club.Â
Moralez arrived in New York ahead of the 2017 season as the Club’s fourth Designated Player and made a huge impact in New York both on and off the field. In his six seasons, the midfielder played 194 matches, scoring 36 goals and providing 60 assists across all competitions, collecting an MLS Cup, Campeones Cup, an MLS All-Star, MLS Best XI, and NYCFC Team MVP nod along the way.
Moralez said: “My family and I have decided to return to Argentina, my country, after a very long time. It was a very difficult and personal decision for me, one of the most difficult decisions in my career because of what we’ve accomplished together here. I am happy here, and from the first day, the fans have made me feel like one of them. Those memories combined with this City, the best city in the world, has really made this decision extremely hard.
“Racing is where I started, they raised me, and many years ago they gave me the opportunity to play professional football and be in the position I’m in today. It was a dream of mine, of my children and my family, to see me play at Racing and I’d like for it to come true for them.
“NYCFC has been six years of my life which I’ve enjoyed immensely, with so much happiness, with accomplishments and defeats, but I've always been so happy here playing for this Club. NYCFC is my longest tenured Club which makes me so proud because it’s a great Club, in a great City and being here is like being part of one big family.”
Moralez blend of creativity, skill, hard work, and leadership have been a major part of the Club's success. During the historic 2021 MLS Cup run, Moralez played all four games, contributing with a goal and three assists. Moralez also converted a crucial penalty during the shootouts in Portland helping New York claim its first title in franchise history. The following season, the Argentine also scored a title clinching goal in the 2022 Campeones Cup at Yankee Stadium.Â
“I want to be remembered for the sacrifice and effort I always gave which characterizes me. At the end of the day, all the trophies and matches are forgotten, but being a good person and a good teammate is fundamental and that’s what I always tried to be,” said Moralez. “Thank you to all the fans and everyone at the Club. I will always remember you, I will always remember the best of times and all the moments we have shared together, which you take with you to the grave. I’m sure we will see each other again.”
Sporting Director David Lee said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to have been able to get to know and work with Maxi. No one can deny the significant impact he’s had these past six seasons, he’ll always have legendary status at the Club and amongst our fans as he has given us so many fantastic memories. As well as his unbelievable skill, he has been a true professional since day one and a role model for our young players.Â
“Maxi has earned his place in the history of this Club. He will always be remembered in New York as an incredible player, whose presence and leadership were vital in us winning our first pieces of silverware. We understand it has always been Maxi’s dream to return to Argentina and know this has been an extremely difficult decision for him. He will be missed, but ultimately, we want what is best for him and his family.”
Touted as the “Little Genius,” known for his playmaking ability, the Rosario native departs as NYCFC’s all-time leader in assists and as the Club’s top scorer in MLS Cup Playoffs. The midfielder’s best season in The Bronx came in 2019, after finishing the season with seven goals and 20 assists, becoming just the third player in League history to make 20+ assists in a single season.
“Everyone at NYCFC would like to thank Maxi for everything he has given to this Club and New York City, we wish Maxi and his family all the best in Argentina,” said Lee.
Transaction: Midfielder Maxi Moralez departs New York City Football Club
