Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez to join Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls on four-year deal

Mexican follows team-mate to Major League Soccer...



23 Jul 2010 17:55:00

EXCLUSIVE
By Mahmoud Maher and Matt Monaghan

Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is to join Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls on a four-year contract, Goal.com can exclusively reveal.

The 31-year old defender had eyed a move to Major League Soccer before playing at World Cup 2010 with Mexico.

After starring for his nation in South Africa, he has now negotiated a release from his contract with the La Liga champions - which was set to run until 2012 - and has put pen to paper on a lucrative deal in the 'Big Apple'.

Speaking exclusively to Goal.com, a well placed source confirmed the deal will be officially announced next week.

"Marquez has signed for a four-year contract with the New York Red Bulls and will join up with Thierry Henry," they said.

"Marquez has gained his contract release from Barcelona and will get a salary of £2 million per season. The official announcement of the deal will be next week."

The move brings to an end a glory-filled seven year stay in Catalunya, where Marquez won every club trophy available. Despite this success, a series of injuries had limited his influence in Pep Guardiola's set-up and he was restricted to just seven top-flight starts.

Marquez's arrival means he joins Henry and Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel to fill the limit of designated players at the Red Bulls.

MLS rules state a squad can only contain three designated players on high wages, with the ex-Monaco man's arrival sure to smash the salary cap.


Source: Goal.com