Mexico defender Rafael Marquez joins the New York Red Bulls

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Mexican defender Rafael Marquez, recently released by Spanish club Barcelona, has signed with the New York Red Bulls, the club announced today.

The 31-year-old captain for Mexico’s national team joins Thierry Henry of France and Juan Pablo Angel of Colombia to give the Red Bulls a trio of international stars.

‘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 the Red Bulls. ‘I am committed to doing my very best to help the Red Bulls in their playoff push this year and compete for championships in the years to come.’ Marquez, who has also played in the midfield, helped Barcelona win two Champions League titles and four Spanish league titles. Before joining the Spanish club, he was with Monaco from 1999 to 2003. Marquez has 11 goals in 94 appearances for Mexico. At the 2002 World Cup, he was sent off for head-butting Cobi Jones in the United States’ 2-0 second-round victory over Mexico.

‘Rafael has shown on the club and international level that he is one of the world’s top players,’ said the Red Bulls’ Dietmar Beiersdorfer, head of the club’s global soccer, in a statement. ‘He has been a winner at all levels and illustrated that he is a leader both on and off the field.’

--Dan Loumena