After several days of rumors, it's now official: Rafa Márquez is leaving the NY Red Bulls.
The club announced on Thursday morning that they have reached a mutual agreement to release the defender, ending his controversial spell in MLS.
Márquez is set to return to Mexico, as Liga MX upstarts Club León have announced the signing of the former national team captain on their Facebook page and via their club president's Twitter account.
“This decision has been made in the best interests of both parties concerned,” said Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh in a club statement. “Rafa has accomplished a great deal during his career and is a top-quality player. We want to thank him for his service to the Red Bulls and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”
Márquez signed with New York on Aug. 2, 2010, as a Designated Player, coming to Major League Soccer from FC Barcelona. In his two-plus seasons with the club, Márquez appeared in 44 regular-season games (42 of them starts) and notched one goal and nine assists. Last season, Márquez played in 15 matches and recorded three assists. He started in six playoff games during his time as a Red Bull.
