Stays at home! Maxi Moralez renews his contract with NYCFC

The Cityzens are celebrating! Maxi Moralez renewed his contract with reigning MLS Cup champion NYCFC for the 2022 season. 

The new contract opens an option to renew the midfielder in 2023 if the agreed goals are reached. The 34-year-old's contract with the team had already expired and he was already a free agent.

The Argentine star has 24 goals and 60 assists in 133 regular-season games (125 starts) with the Cityzens, cementing his place as one of the league's top No. 10s.

Moralez was a designated player for NYCFC but re-signs below that financial threshold, meaning the team will be able to counter with more resources to scout more talent. 

Maxi Moralez, NYCFC's hero

Moralez was a key part of New York City FC's championship last season when they defeated the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup final with a 1-1 draw in regular time, a match that would go to penalty kicks.  

But before that, Maxi's goal against Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Final paved the way to glory for the club. 

In that game, Kacper Przybylko was credited with the Union's first goal when New York defender Alex Callens tried to block a pass, which beat Sean Johnson for an own goal in the second half. 

However, the celebration was silenced less than 90 seconds later when Maxi Moralez, the 34-year-old former Racing and Velez, beat Freese for the 1-1 draw. 

Talles Magno would do his part in the 88th minute and with a goal, the Brazilian would help the Cityzens open the way to the MLS Cup Final. 

However, Moralez was the star of the match as he carried a whole team because his main star was unable to play in the game. 

New York, without their star player, Argentine Valentin Castellanos (Golden Boot for top scorer of the season, in the MLS Best XI and suspended for expulsion), had to rely on their other talents. 

And Moralez answered the call by opening the scoring and allowing the club to dream and reach the first title in its history.  

Statements on Moralez's renewal with the Cityzens

The mood at New York City FC is one of celebration as they were able to keep one of their most iconic and lethal players. 

In the words of the team's sporting director, David Lee, they are happy with the player. 

In a press release, Lee said, "We are absolutely delighted that Maxi has signed a contract extension."

"Since arriving at the club in 2017, he has been an integral part of this club both on and off the field and his stay at the club was one of our top priorities this off-season. 

"He will always have a very special place in the history of this club after being so instrumental in bringing us our first piece of silverware," the Sporting Director finished. 

Maxi Moralez could not be left behind and through a statement, he also expressed his feelings about his contract renewal. 

Through a statement, the attacking midfielder said, "I'm very happy, and my family is happy too, which is the most important thing for me."

"This was what we were always looking for, to try to continue with NYCFC, especially after finishing a beautiful year," said the man who paved the way for the club to taste gold for the first time in its existence.