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Ronald Matarrita enjoying life alongside New York City FC stars

Reuters

Ronald Matarrita is enjoying rubbing shoulders with some esteemed company at New York City FC, and is raring to go in his debut Major League Soccer season.

The Costa Rica international moved to the franchise from L.D. Alajuelense in January, and has been made to feel welcome by NYCFC's more prestigious staff, such as David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard.

"They're very humble, always talking to you. For me, it's an honor to be in the locker room with them," he told La Nacion via Goal.com. "I have the chance to have such great people as my peers and above me because in this case I have a manager like Patrick Vieira who will help me a lot."

Expectations are high under the new French gaffer, who joined NYCFC following a successful spell at the helm of Manchester City's Elite Development Squad. NYCFC missed out on the playoffs in last year's inaugural campaign, but reaching the postseason appears to be the bare minimum of what it hopes to achieve in 2016.

"Starting the preseason, from the first day, the only thing we touched on is that we should get to the highest number of titles possible," Matarrita said. "The team has a lot of hunger to achieve wins and trophies, that’s what I’m thirsty for as well. I want to win the championship in the first tournament I have in MLS."

Matarrita's new side begins its league campaign with a trip to Chicago on March 6.

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