That was quick.
On Wednesday, the New York Red Bulls announced that the club has parted ways with Brazilian midfielder Juninho Pernambucano by mutual consent after he signed with the club a little more than six months ago on Dec. 17, 2012. The club confirmed it has canceled the player's contract.
WATCH: Juninho's red card vs. SKC
“We are very disappointed that Juninho has decided to return to Brazil because he is a great professional and a very talented footballer,” Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh said in a club statement. “We wish him all of the best and thank him for his valuable contributions during the first half of the 2013 MLS campaign.”
The 38-year-old former Brazilian international last started a match for RBNY on June 1 vs. Vancouver and missed the last two matches against Philadelphia and Houston due to suspension and a coach's decision.
Juninho appeared in a total of 13 matches, making 10 starts. In that span he collected more red cards (1) than he did goals (0) and more yellow cards (5) than assists (4).
Known as a deadball specialist, two of Juninho's assists came on set pieces: Tim Cahill's winner vs. LA (May 19) and Thierry Henry's bicycle kick goal vs. Montreal (May 8). The other two were secondary assists in the run of play against DC (April 13) and Philadelphia (March 30).
“Before I leave for home, I want to thank the New York Red Bulls for the opportunity to experience MLS and to wish my teammates and the club’s excellent fans every success for the remainder of the season,” Juninho said in a statement.
