SECAUCUS, N.J. - Red Bull New York announced today that it has signed former U.S. National Team captain Claudio Reyna. Reyna will occupy one of the Red Bulls' two Designated Player slots. Per MLS and team regulations, terms of the deal are undisclosed.
The Red Bulls will be hosting a press conference today at the Giants Stadium's Bull's Eye Lounge (also known as the Buffet Room) at 1 p.m. ET, with Reyna, Red Bull New York Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena and Technical Director Jeff Agoos in attendance.
"I am pleased that Claudio has agreed to sign with our club," Arena said. "Claudio is a proven player at the highest levels in the game and his experience and leadership skills will improve our team. I'm excited to have him as a member of the Red Bulls."
"I'm very excited to be coming back to play at home minutes from where I grew up," Reyna said. "I look forward to playing for Bruce, who I have known for such a long time, and excited about the whole opportunity to join a club that is looking to do a lot of good things for the future."
Considered one of the greatest players ever to don a U.S. Men's National Team uniform, the midfielder was the MNT's captain during the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Fourth all-time in U.S. history in caps with 112, Reyna helped lead the Americans to a quarterfinal berth in the 2002 World Cup as well as a historic 1-1 draw with eventual World Cup winner Italy in 2006. For his efforts in the '02 World Cup, Reyna became the only American soccer player in history to be named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star First Team. He is also only one of two players who have appeared on four World Cup rosters.
"We're excited to have a player with the caliber and quality that Claudio brings to this team," Agoos said. "It's good to have another local guy come back and we expect big things from him in the 2007 season."
At the club level, the Springfield, NJ native has competed in a number of elite leagues and competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup. Most recently a part of English Premiership side Manchester City (from 2003-07), the 33-year-old Reyna has also enjoyed stints with German Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen (1995/96 - 1996/97) and WfL Wolfsburg (1997/98 - 1998/99), Scottish First Division power Glasgow Rangers (1999/00 - 2001/02) and then-English Premiership club Sunderland (2001/02 - 2003/04). He was the first ever American to captain a team in Europe when he wore the armband for Wolfsburg in 1998.
During his time at Manchester City, the former St. Benedict's Prep High School (Newark, N.J.) and University of Virginia product played in a total of 77 contests, starting in 69.
Playing for Arena at the University of Virginia, Reyna helped lead the Cavaliers to three-straight NCAA titles from 1991 to 1993. He was named Soccer America Player of the Year in 1992 and 1993 and was a three-time first team NSCAA All-American.
The Red Bulls open their season on April 7 at 7:00 p.m. ET against the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium. Their home opener is Sunday, April 15 at 3:00 p.m. ET at Giants Stadium, when they take on FC Dallas. For tickets or more information, log on to www.newyorkredbulls.com or call 1.877.RBSOCCER.
