The East Coast offers a number of attractions but none better than New York City. A melting pot of cultures, it offers a gorgeous contrast of skyscrapers that reach the heavens and history that can make one tear up. But perhaps most importantly, it’s home to one of the most iconic sports teams in the world, one that defines America’s culture. Maybe that’s why even retired slugger Alex Rodriguez can’t give it up.

The ex-shortstop played for Texas and Seattle before coming to the Bronx in 2003. He’s a native of Miami and even calls Minnesota his own now. But the magic of New York is such that even A-Rod is addicted. The former New York Yankees player just made a bold declaration.

Alex Rodriguez’s Never-Ending Affair With New York City

As an athlete, the former ballplayer used to travel all over the country to play baseball with the best in the league. Although he grew up in Miami, Rodriguez was born in Washington Heights in Manhattan. After a short stay in the Dominican Republic, A-Rod returned to the U.S. and ultimately ended up in New York. Even retirement saw him return to Florida but NYC was unforgettable.

The retired Yankees player’s recent Instagram updates were full of praise for The City That Never Sleeps. In one, Rodriguez posted a short video from where he’s apparently situated on a boat. It’s not docked and the camera spans a stunning orange sunset on the water and then moves on to even more gorgeous buildings with tiny twinkling lights.

The ‘Cottagecore’ aesthetic may be all the rage on social media but there are some, like Alex Rodriguez, whose heart resides in the city. The next slide in his story confirms it, as it shows a picture of the tall buildings beautifully framed behind the water. While the first clip only has a geotag to confirm his location, the next one has a caption. “My favorite city,” it reads simply.

For someone who has recently pledged allegiance to the Midwest, A-Rod sure loves his coasts!

Rodriguez’s Failed Bid to Stay in New York

Today, Alex Rodriguez is on his way to becoming the majority owner of the NBA’s Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Lynx. Along with business partner Marc Lore, he will obtain more control over Minnesota’s professional basketball scene. But this move came after Rodriguez had already tried to stay in the Big Apple.

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The Steinbrenners have never looked to sell, so the former slugger had nary a chance of rejoining the Pinstripes. But a position opened up with the Yankees’ crosstown rivals, the Mets. Along with his then-fiancee, Jennifer Lopez, A-Rod made a bid to the Wilpon/ Katz families but to no avail. The plan failed.

But then again, that’s the thing about dreams. One can always have a new one, like A-Rod did.

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