New York City striker David Villa went to the top of the Empire State Building to pose with the UEFA Champions League trophy . Joining him were former Brazil and AC Milan midfielder Rivaldo and ex-Chelsea and Barcelona defender Juliano Belletti . The trio , who all played for Barcelona in their careers , were taking part in a promotional campaign to help boost the popularity of football in America . All three men lifted the trophy during their playing careers , Belletti and Villa both with Barcelona in 2006 and 2011 , respectively , while Rivaldo won it with Milan in 2003 . Juliano Belletti ( left ) , David Villa ( centre ) and Rivaldo stood at the top of the Empire State Building . The trio posed with the Champions League trophy as part of a promotional campaign for European football . Villa , who is now playing out the twilight of his career in the Big Apple , scored the first goal for his new club on Sunday in a 2-0 win over New England Revolution in the MLS . New York City were formed in 2013 and are a subsidiary of the City Football Group that also owns reigning Premier League champions Manchester City . Prior to NYCFC 's first game at Yankee Stadium , Villa presented a jersey to city mayor Bill DeBlasio . Villa scores a goal in the first-half against New England Revolution to hit the first of his MLS career . The Spaniard prepares to take on New England Revolution defender Scott Caldwell ( left ) Villa drives forward with the ball as New England Revolution 's Andy Dorman ( left ) gives chase .
New York City striker David Villa was atop the Empire State Building . He was joined by former Brazil midfielder European and Juliano Belletti . The trio posed for photos with the UEFA Champions League trophy . It was part of a campaign aimed at promoting football in America .