wearing the captain's armband for two European clubs and leading the U.S. national team in the World Cup and Olympics among others -- it's Reyna the friend, the teammate, the ambassador who was acknowledged by many on the day the Springfield, N.J., native announced his retirement from soccer.
"It's a sad day for U.S. Soccer, losing one of its greatest," New York Red Bulls midfielder Dave van den Bergh said. "I'm just wishing him the best in the future."
Reyna played for national powerhouse St. Benedict's Prep in Newark when he was younger, compiling a record of 65-0 in three years and winning an unprecedented two Parade Magazine National Player of the Year awards. But in many ways, he was following in Tab Ramos' footsteps, and he's continued to do so on the U.S. national team and beyond.
In fact, when Ramos was on the same dais at St. Benedict's six years ago to announce his retirement from professional soccer, Reyna was in the crowd. Before he would be known as "Captain America," Reyna was considered by many to be "the next Tab Ramos."
But on Wednesday, Ramos, who like Reyna was a crafty midfielder and former U.S. national team captain, admitted that Reyna's impact on the game in the USA was far greater.
"I think Claudio is without question the most accomplished American player that we've had," Ramos said. "He was probably the first American player I've ever seen go to Europe and play calm and play his game whether it was Rangers or Manchester City and you knew that he belonged there. That was a big step for U.S. soccer."
Reyna was the first U.S. player to captain a European squad when he did so with Germany's Wolfsburg in 1998. He'd do the same for Sunderland in the English Premier League and for the hometown Red Bulls when he left Manchester City on a free transfer in January 2007. Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio said it is clear why Reyna always found himself as a leader of a team, whether it was club or country.
"I think his demeanor, his attitude, quiet man that leads by example more so than by shouting and by screaming at people," said Osorio, who first got to know Reyna at Manchester City. "He shows up everyday as a top professional ready to go, ready to do what's necessary. He's a good example for everybody."
Although he spent less than two years with the Red Bulls, playing just 27 games in a pair of injury-plagued seasons, his impact inside the locker room was far-reaching.
"With his experience all over (the world), when he talked, everybody listened," van den Bergh said. "He's been good to everyone in this locker room. He was always positive, always (giving) positive criticism, always trying to help out the younger guys who were willing to listen. We're going to miss that."
And, according to Seth Stammler, Reyna treated every teammate, from fellow designated player Juan Pablo Angel to developmental players like David Roth and Ricky Schramm, the same.
"In addition to being great on the field, he was great in the locker room," said Stammler, who wore the captain's armband when Reyna was injured on several occasions. "He wasn't one of the guys who only mingled with the older guys. He was joking around with a lot of the younger guys and I think that says a lot about his character, that he's not above anybody. He's just one of the guys in the locker room."
Added Angel: "He had an unbelievable career in Europe and he has been involved long enough in this game ... I think he did the world for us. He was, first of all, a friend. I had the chance of getting to know him when I played against him in Europe. I only have good things to say about him."
While Reyna is calling it quits after 14 seasons of playing professionally, he will remain involved in the sport. Reyna said he has plans on coaching and will serve in an ambassador role with the Red Bulls.
"Claudio's got not only a big name in this area, but in this country and around the world," said Red Bulls sporting director Jeff Agoos. "I think he adds an incredible amount of credibility to the club."
While his time in Major League Soccer was short, Reyna did have an impact on the league as its first designated player to step on the field.
"He was, in my view, the best player in the history of U.S. Soccer, proved it overseas, proved it in the World Cup," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "To have him end his career here was a gift for all of us. It's unfortunate it ended earlier than we had all hoped it would, but it was great to have him home."
And according to Osorio, Reyna's accomplishments went beyond the field.
"I have had a very good chance to get to know Claudio on a personal level and I can say he's as successful as a human being as he has been on the soccer grounds," Osorio said. "I think a player with a reputation like his and his illustrious career has to be given credit."
Dylan Butler is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
