Valentín Castellanos: “I Will Always be Grateful to NYCFC.”

July 25, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New York City FC News Release

New York City Football Club forward Valentín ‘Taty’ Castellanos has revealed he will be forever grateful for the role the Club has played in his career.

The 23-year-old was speaking prior to completing a loan move to LaLiga side, and fellow City Football Group club, Girona FC which will run through July 2023. Castellanos first joined NYCFC on loan in the summer of 2018 from Montevideo City Torque, who are also a member of CFG. His early form with the Boys in Blue convinced the Club to make the move permanent in November of that year, beginning the start of a joyous journey together.

“Of course, I remember, everything happened very fast,” Castellanos said, reflecting on the move to New York. “I remember the moment when I arrived, the people who helped me. These were very nice moments. It was a great opportunity for me, to come here to MLS. A league that I knew was growing. I remember my teammates and the coaching staff. These are very nice memories that I enjoyed from the very first moment. I will always remember this. I am making the most of my last days here with all the people who love me, who are around me. I am always grateful to the Club, from the first moment they opened their doors to me. I feel very happy.”

Castellanos enjoyed tremendous success while wearing Bronx Blue, particularly in 2021. He was named the MLS Golden Boot winner after securing the crown in dramatic fashion thanks to a headed goal on the final day of the regular season. He carried that form with him into the playoffs where he scored in every round he participated in – including in Portland, Oregon, as NYCFC claimed a historic first MLS Cup.

Now preparing for a season in Spain’s top division, Castellanos confirmed he is keen to continue growing and developing as a player by applying the same level of hard work that propelled him forward with NYCFC.

“I have many memories, not only the beautiful moments but also the ugly ones that we lived together,” he said. “They strengthened our group in an emotional way. We’ve experienced beautiful and not so beautiful things in these years that I’ve been here. I came to NYCFC with the goal of becoming a champion. I wanted to win titles with the Club, I wanted to make history with this institution, with this jersey and I think that what I will always remember is the MLS Cup.

“Being able to win the championship the way it happened; playing away from home, six hours from…