Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at Ceremony in Honor of 2021 MLS Cup Champions NYCFC

December 14, 2021

Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSN_VS9HGvQ

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Everybody, how much do you love these guys?  

[Cheers] 

How much do you love these guys?  

[Cheers] 

Let them feel it. New York City loves this team. Guys, you have made us so proud. You have made us proud at a moment where we needed. We needed it because we've been through so much these last couple years in New York City, we needed this victory. We needed the hope that this team is giving us. Let's thank them. It's more than just a victory in a game, it's what they have done for all of us. Let's thank them right now.  

[Cheers] 

And while we're celebrating this wonderful team, let's give it up for our master of ceremonies, Ian. Don't you love this guy's voice? Thank you, Ian. 

[Cheers] 

Ronny, you have provided us with an amazing example of leadership, of bringing the best out in people. What you said about a team, I could feel it. I could feel the way you've made everyone feel like one, like one, and that's what this city is about taking people from all over the world, creating one beautiful thing out of it. Ronny, you've done something amazing and I think you're great, even when you keep your clothes on, you are great. Let's thank Ronny everybody. 

[Cheers]  

And every one of these players deserves our credit and our thanks. But I've got to say, during those penalty kicks, Sean -- ice in your veins, ice water, ice cold. Amazing. Amazing.  

[Cheers] 

You had New York City rooting for you. I hope you could feel of love. I hope every one of you could feel the love that this city felt for you all season long. I hope you could feel all the way to Portland, and those Portland fans were wild. Weren't they? They were wild. But the NYCFC fans in Portland made their presence felt and the players could feel it.  

[Cheers] 

So, everybody, this team has done so much for us. And, by the way, to all the leadership, thank you, because 50 soccer pitches now for the kids of New York City. That's what this team has helped us create. Thank you. Thank you for that incredible commitment to the kids in New York City.   

[Cheers] 

The team motto is, “For The City”, and this team lives it out. They inspire us. They make us feel hope even in the toughest moments. This is an amazing team for the ages. And I have an official declaration on behalf of 8.8 million New Yorkers. It’s the truest, clearest thing. You can see it, look all around you. New York City is blue. NYC is blue. 

[Cheers] 

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