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Former Barcelona Defender Rafael Marquez: I Will Remain A Culé Until Death
The Mexican bid farewell to Camp Nou.
Jul 31, 2010 4:15:00 PM
By Subhankar Mondal
Outgoing Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez says that he will remain a Barcelona supporter for the rest of his life despite leaving the club this summer.
The Mexican international and the Spanish champions officially announced to part company on Saturday. Marquez had two more years left on his contract with the Blaugrana, but both player and club decided that it was best that the contract is terminated now.
In a farewell press conference held at Camp Nou on Saturday, the 31-year-old bid goodbye to everyone at Barcelona and said that he will remain a Barcelona supporter for the rest of his life.
Spanish sports daily Marca quotes the Mexican as saying, "Of all the titles that I have won, I prefer the Champions League won in Paris. But above all, the friends I made here and the love this institution gave me will stay with me. I will be a culé until death."
The former Monaco centerback also explained his decision to leave.
"I spoke with [Barcelona coach Pep] Guardiola and he gave me the opportunity to choose. I feel that here I have finished a stage.
"I could have stayed here quietly here with my salary, but I have a character - I am ambitious and I want to play. This is the right time to leave."
Marquez refused to divulge anything about his future club, simply stating, "I have offers from Europe and have not yet made a decision."
However, the Mexican is reported to be keen on joining MLS club New York Red Bulls, who also signed Thierry Henry earlier this summer.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
The Mexican international and the Spanish champions officially announced to part company on Saturday. Marquez had two more years left on his contract with the Blaugrana, but both player and club decided that it was best that the contract is terminated now.
In a farewell press conference held at Camp Nou on Saturday, the 31-year-old bid goodbye to everyone at Barcelona and said that he will remain a Barcelona supporter for the rest of his life.
Spanish sports daily Marca quotes the Mexican as saying, "Of all the titles that I have won, I prefer the Champions League won in Paris. But above all, the friends I made here and the love this institution gave me will stay with me. I will be a culé until death."
The former Monaco centerback also explained his decision to leave.
"I spoke with [Barcelona coach Pep] Guardiola and he gave me the opportunity to choose. I feel that here I have finished a stage.
"I could have stayed here quietly here with my salary, but I have a character - I am ambitious and I want to play. This is the right time to leave."
Marquez refused to divulge anything about his future club, simply stating, "I have offers from Europe and have not yet made a decision."
However, the Mexican is reported to be keen on joining MLS club New York Red Bulls, who also signed Thierry Henry earlier this summer.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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