Humberto "El Chupete" Suazo has already stuck a couple of daggers into MLS teams during CONCACAF Champions League play in recent years. But only a couple of months ago, the Monterrey star was entertaining switching sides and becoming the newest MLS Designated Player.
In fact, the 31-year-old Chilean international explored a move stateside during the recent MLS offseason. With his Monterrey contract running out in June 2013, the Chicago Fire were plotting a move to reach a pre-contract with the Monterrey talisman, which is permitted in the six months before an expiring contract.
"We were very close and there were tentative terms and a verbal agreement in place," said MLS vice president of player relations and competition, Lino DiCuollo.
Suazo and Monterrey host the LA Galaxy in the second leg of their CCL semifinal series at the Estadio Tecnológico on Wednesday (10 pm ET, Fox Soccer).
READ: Who's the best player in CONCACAF, Suazo or Keane?
A Chicago Fire club official confirmed the team's interest, but in the end Monterrey stepped in and made sure the MLS move didn't happen. On March 21, los Rayados officially committed a long-term extension to "Chupete" Suazo through June 2016, ensuring they held on to the club's iconic star.
Suazo indicated the new agreement with the two-time defending CCL champs Rayados would allow him "to finish his career with Monterrey," where he has played since 2007, racking up trophies on his way to becoming the club's all-time leading scorer.
