New York City FC sign Spain striker David Villa

Spain striker David Villa has joined Major League Soccer outfit New York City FC on a three-year contract.

Villa, 32, helped Atletico Madrid win La Liga for the first time since 1996 this season with 13 league goals.

But he has decided to leave them to become the Manchester City-owned MLS franchise's first signing.

"I want to try to help MLS continue to grow and try to make New York City FC become the best team in the league," Villa told the club's website.

"It's a real honour that the people who have formed the club have focused their attention on me. I'm keen to do the best I can."

Villa joined Atletico from Barcelona, where he had spent three seasons after signing from Valencia for £34m in 2010.

He has won 94 caps for Spain, scoring 56 goals, and helped them win the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup.

New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis added: "David Villa is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and best strikers in the world."