The LA Galaxy aren’t the only MLS franchise capable of acquiring a former international captain who can no longer crack a quality first team in Europe. From the New York Post’s Brian Lewis.
Arguably the greatest soccer player this country has ever produced will return home today when Springfield (N.J.) native and former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna is unveiled as the Red Bulls’ newest player at a Giants Stadium press conference.
Reyna was released from the rest of his $2 million deal with English Premier League team Manchester City yesterday, and should step right in as the Red Bulls’ captain and central midfield replacement for Amado Guevara. They traded the former league MVP for a Designated Player slot, allowing them to sign Reyna to above the MLS-mandated maximum $300,000 salary.
Reyna will be reunited with Bruce Arena, who coached him at Virginia and with the U.S. The St. Benedict’s (Newark) Prep grad played in three World Cups, including becoming the first American to make the tournament’s Best XI team.
Granted, he’s 33 and has played just 16 matches for Manchester City this season, limited due to a variety of injuries. He’s been hurt often in his career, somewhat worrisome considering the summer heat and Giants Stadium FieldTurf.
A 12th minute strike from Dimitar Berbatov followed by a Julio Baptista own goal has Spurs leading Arsenal, 2-0 at intermission in the first leg of the North London sides’ Carling Cup semi-final.