Andrea Mancini premiered in his first ever start for the New York Cosmos, during the 2017 NASL season opener against Puerto Rico FC. on March 25.

The Italian striker joined the Cosmos in September 2016, making his debut for the club on October 22nd, with a 4-0 victory against Miami FC. After re-signing for the club last month, he found his place in Giovanni Savarese’s formation.

“I was happy to start, I came here with the mentality that this year is a new season. If Gio put me in the first eleven it means that I worked well during the preseason and I’m happy for this,” said Andrea Mancini. “I need to continue to work hard and would like to play as much as possible, continuing to improve at the Cosmos.”

A product of Inter Milan and Manchester City’s youth academies, Mancini played professional soccer in England, Spain and Hungary, before moving to Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. Moving to the Cosmos was an exciting opportunity for the 24 year-old, being part of a club with rich history.

“It’s an honor for me to play in the club, with the jersey that players like Pelé, Carlos Alberto, Beckenbauer had worn. Those were some of the top players, and best in the world during that period, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of this club.”

Beyond the club, Mancini is taking in everything New York has to offer. With the Cosmos' move to Brooklyn, New York, the Italian striker is enjoying the culture, monuments, and other Big Apple attractions. “Personally, I love New York, it’s very different from where I lived in Europe, but i really like living in New York and the United States.”

Mancini started off strong in preseason against the Dominican National Team, during their 5-1 victory. Despite the Cosmos 0-0 draw last Saturday, he gave the fans a glimpse of what to expect along side former Juventus striker Amauri, as the two worked together, putting pressure on Puerto Rico FC’s defense.

“Amauri is a big player, who has played in Italy and Champions League, and we all want to learn from him. It’s an honor to play up top with him, and we look for each other since we speak the same language.”

Mancini's father, former Inter Milan manager is now cheering for the Cosmos, and watching his son play. “When my father was a kid, he followed the Cosmos and believes it’s a fantastic opportunity for me. He wished he could go back in time to play for the Cosmos, along side Pelé.”

Mancini, and the Cosmos are now preparing for their upcoming home opener against Miami FC, on Saturday night at 7 p.m. Their fresh start in Brooklyn begins at the new stadium, MCU Park in Coney Island. Tickets are on sale now, for more information click here.