SECAUCUS, N.J.- New York Red Bulls midfielder Albert Celades has announced his retirement from professional soccer following the Red Bulls' 2009 season finale against Toronto FC at Giants Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 PM ET (TV: MSG2; Radio: WADO 1280 AM).
"It is time to say goodbye to soccer," Celades said. "I feel blessed to have been part of the most important teams in the world, and I want to thank everyone in the New York Red Bulls organization for giving me the opportunity to play in the United States and MLS. Now, for my family and I, it is time to go back home."
A veteran of the Spanish La Liga, Celades made his professional debut for FC Barcelona in 1995, and helped the Catalan giants to two La Liga and two Spanish Cup titles, as well as a the 1997-98 UEFA Super Cup championship, over his four-season tenure in Barcelona. He had similar success after joining Real Madrid in 2000, as the Spanish First Division powerhouse captured two La Liga titles during Celades' four campaigns with the team, while also winning the 2002 UEFA Champions League. Before coming to New York, he patrolled the midfield for Real Zaragoza, and was instrumental in the club's 2005 Spanish Super Cup finals appearance. Celades also played for French club, FC Girondins de Bordeaux, in the 2003-04 season.
On the international level, Celades earned four caps representing Spain, including two during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, in which he made two substitute appearances against Nigeria and Paraguay.
Celades, 34, signed with the Red Bulls on March 11, 2009, and appeared in 16 matches, making 13 starts for New York. He made his Red Bulls debut on April 11 away to the Houston Dynamo, and made first MLS start and recorded first MLS assist on May 8 in a 4-1 win against the San Jose Earthquakes at Giants Stadium. Celades scored his first MLS goal in 2-1 loss to Toronto FC on June 13 and tallied two assists on Aug. 23 in a 3-2 win over FC Dallas. His three assists rank him second on the team.
Celades and the Red Bulls face Toronto FC in the last soccer match ever at Giants Stadium on Saturday. For tickets to the match or to purchase or inquire about 2010 Full Season Ticket Plans, call the Red Bulls at 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com The Red Bulls will move into their brand new stadium, Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, NJ, for the 2010 Major League Soccer season.
