Barcelona's Rafael Marques on verge of New York Red Bulls switch
Barcelona’s defensive utility player and Mexican captain, Rafael Marquez in on the verge of completing a shock move to the United States by joining the Major League Soccer side, The New York Red Bulls. It was reported that the player was close to agreeing personal terms which would see the move reach a conclusion sooner rather than later. He would follow in the footsteps of his former team mate, Thierry Henry who made the switch from Barcelona to the New York Red Bulls recently.
Henry upon his arrival had it made public that one of his close friends intended on following him to the MLS but no one in their right mind could have imagined that it was Rafael Marquez who he was talking about.
The sporting director at the New York Red Bulls had also previously hinted that the capture of Thierry Henry wouldn’t be the club’s only high profile transfer this season. It seems more than apparent now that the other player that everyone has been creating all this fuss about is going to be Rafael Marquez who looks more than certain to switch the La Liga for the MLS.
The main reason for him wanting to perform the switch would have to be due to the fact that he hasn’t been getting much first team action and this could strongly affect his battle to remain in the Mexican national team for the World Cup that is scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2014. Considering Marquez is in his early thirties he would have to constantly prove his fitness if he hopes to try and fight for his spot in the team.
Marquez released a statement to the press which stated, “I want to leave Barcelona in a good way, I hope to get my passage to solve my future soon in the MLS or outside of MLS. I want to continue playing in the United States, Mexico or wherever the opportunity presents itself to me.”
This statement shows that the player is desperate to play and doesn’t want to be forced into retirement due to the lack of playing time he has been forced to endure at Barcelona. He has also revealed that he would be open to a move to playing in the Mexican league, but in all honesty who would choose to play in Mexico for pennies as compared to the United States where he could be making much more and he would be offered to play much higher quality of football.
The New York Red Bulls coach, Hans Backe has already managed Rafael Marquez when he was assistant coach to Sven-Goran Eriksson (when he was manager of the Mexican national team). He has stated that the player would be a perfect fit at the club and his versatility would be greatly appreciated and made use of on the team.
It is still just an assumption to say that the deal is a sure shot but chances are it is more than likely to go through.
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