Marquez signs with Red Bulls after leaving Barca

SECAUCUS, New Jersey - Mexico captain Rafael Marquez signed with Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls on Monday, two days after he was released by Barcelona.

The 31-year-old Mexican national team captain joins former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry on the Red Bulls. Henry made his MLS debut Saturday at Houston, forming an impressive attacking partnership with Juan Pablo Angel.

“Coming to New York and playing in Major League Soccer was a chance that I could not refuse,’’ Marquez said in a statement released by his new team. “I am committed to doing my very best to help the Red Bulls in their playoff push this year and compete for championships in the years to come.’’

Marquez, Angel and Henry give the Red Bulls three high-priced designated players not subject to the league’s salary budget.

Marquez, who might play in midfield for the Red Bulls, was to be introduced at a news conference Tuesday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. He scored 13 goals in 242 matches with Barcelona, helping win two Champions League titles, four Spanish league championships, a European Supercup and a Copa del Rey trophy. Before joining the Spanish power, he was with Monaco from 1999 to 2003.

Marquez has 11 goals in 94 appearances for Mexico, scoring against South Africa at this year’s World Cup.

At the 2002 World Cup, he was sent off for head-butting Cobi Jones in the Americans’ 2-0 second-round win over Mexico.

AP