Rafael Marquez bids goodbye to Barcelona and begins a new journey in MLS
Rafael Marquez ends a significant chapter in his football career as he just severed ties with Barcelona. The 31-year old defender’s contract was supposed to end in June 30, 2012. Both Marquez and the club deemed it best for him to terminate his term in Barcelona early.
According to Salvatore Landolina of goal.com, the club’s official website declares: “"FC Barcelona and Rafa Marquez have reached a mutual agreement to rescind the player’s contract, which was due to run until 30th June 2012.”
FC Barcelona will host a farewell ceremony for the Mexican midfielder on Saturday at 7 PM. Sandro Rosell, the club’s president, will be present and the event will be covered live by Barca TV.
Life Before Barcelona
Rafael “Rafa” Marquez was born in February 13, 1979 in Michoacan, Mexico. He made his debut at the Mexican club Atlas de Guadalajara at the tender age of 17. He made 77 appearances for Atlas and made his first appearance in the Mexican National Team before bidding Atlas goodbye in 1999.
It was in 1999 that Marquez transferred to Monaco. The French club reportedly bought him for €6 million. Marquez had quite a prolific career in Monaco. It was in Monaco that he honed his skills as a defensive midfielder. In his first season, he helped the club win the French title. Larger clubs wanted Marquez in their team but he remained in Monaco until 2003. After 87 games in Monaco, Marquez packed is bags and left for Spain to play for Barcelona. He was enlisted by the Catalan giants for €5.
Marquez in Camp Nou
Marquez wore the Barcelona jersey for almost 7 years. He is the second Mexican player to play in Barcelona, after Horacio Casaran. The Mexican displayed a notable performance during his 200 games for the club. During his stay in Barcelona, the club won four league titles, two Champions Leagues, the Club World Cup, the European Super Cup, the Spanish Cup and three Spanish Super Cups.
One of the notable moments in Marquez’s career in Barcelona was in 2004, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-0. That was a very celebrated victory because it was their first since 1999. Legendary forwards of Los Blancos such as Raul, David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane all came forward but their attacks were accordingly blocked by the Marquez.
Barcelona’s eternal rival is Real Madrid and it is always a victory for every player if he is able to contribute something to win against their rival. This was the case for Marquez as he was able to assist Lionel Messi’s late strike. It reassured Marquez of his importance to the team and at the same time, it helped Barca move forward to win the coveted ’09 title.
Marquez also made a mark in FIFA Club World Cup. Barcelona defeated Club America in the semi-finals in that competition 4-0. Marquez was one of the scorers, making the club’s second goal 30 minutes into the game through Deco’s in-swinging left corner kick.
Marquez had a colorful standing in Barcelona. In the Champions League 2006, Marquez was just recovering from a leg injury yet coach Frank Rijkaard believed in him and retained him on the field. Marquez did not let his mentor down, as he exhibited a notable performance. His performance did not show any signs of a recent injury at all. Barcelona went forward to conquer the Champions League 2006.
Life After Barca – New York Red Bulls!
Marquez had been initially linked to two clubs – Juventus and New York Red Bulls. However, the Italian club denied having made a move for Marquez. Now, it is official. Marquez will soon be part of the New York Red Bulls. To many, this move of his is totally unexpected. He has joined the likes of David Beckham and Thierry Henry in joining MLS.
The Mexican national team captain said that he is ready to face new challenges in the New York Red Bulls. For him, being in MLS is an entirely different experience because he has spent most of his time in Europe, winning titles left and right. Marquez wants to embark on a new journey in a growing league.
Dietmar Beiersdorfer, the head of the New York Red Bulls, is thrilled to have Marquez in the team because he can give contribute well in the midfield.
Marquez, with his winning mentality, hopes to bag titles for the team.
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