Marquez signs with Red Bulls
Published:Tuesday | August 3, 2010 | 12:00 AM
SECAUCUS, New Jersey (AP):
Mexico captain Rafael Marquez signed with Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls yesterday, two days after he was released by Barcelona.
The 31-year-old Mexican national team captain joins former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry at the Red Bulls. Henry made his MLS debut last Saturday at Houston, forming an impressive attacking partnership with Juan Pablo Angel.
"Coming to New York and playing in Major League Soccer was a chance that I could not refuse," Marquez said in a statement released by his new team. "I am committed to doing my very best to help the Red Bulls in their play-off push this year and compete for championships in the years to come."
Marquez, Angel and Henry give the Red Bulls three high-priced designated players not subject to the league's salary budget.
Marquez, who may play in midfield for the Red Bulls, will be introduced at a news conference today at Red Bull Arena in Harrison.
He scored 13 goals in 242 matches with Barcelona, helping them win two Champions League titles, four Spanish league championships, a European Supercup and a Copa del Rey trophy. Before joining the Spanish power, he was with Monaco from 1999-03.