Marquez: MLS move not a vacation

Facing limited play at Barcelona, Rafael Marquez decided his next move was to get closer to home.

It was a simple choice for the Mexican captain after meeting with the Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola at the end of the La Liga season: bench or leave.

The 31-year-old still wanted the spotlight and decided to sign with Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls instead of a European team.

"I've won every single title that you need to win in Europe," Marquez said Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press after being introduced at Red Bull Arena. "Besides, Barcelona was not planning to give minutes. It was a moment to change. And to go to other teams in Europe was like starting all over again."

Marquez joins former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry on the Red Bulls. The French forward made his MLS debut Saturday, setting up Juan Pablo Angel for a pair of goal in a 2-2 tie at Houston.

Marquez wanted a change of scenery after 11 years living in Europe while playing for Monaco and Barcelona. He also desired to be a part of soccer's growth in the United States.

"MLS seduced me. It may not be at the same level that some of the European leagues, but it's growing," he said. "I like the idea of helping in that growth."

At Barcelona Marquez won two Champions League titles, four Spanish league championships, a European Supercup and a Copa del Rey trophy.

"I kind of wanted to look down," he said. "I'm getting closer to the end of my career, and I want to enjoy myself."

Still, his desire to win titles will remain the same at MLS.

"I haven't come here to finish my career," he said. "I'm 31, and I still feel I could do a lot. I'm not here for a vacation. I want to become a champion with this team."

Marquez played as central defender in Barcelona, but the Red Bulls coach Hans Backe intends to use him in midfield. That was his role during the last World Cup, where he scored a goal against South Africa in the tournament opener.

"We bring in experience, leadership and quality, quality, quality on the pitch," said Backe, a Swede who worked with Marquez while Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant in Mexico.

The Red Bulls signed Marquez to a multiyear contract. They haven't set a date for Marquez's debut, wanting to evaluate his physical shape after his post-World Cup break. They play at Chicago on Sunday, then host Toronto on Aug. 11 and the Los Angeles Galaxy on Aug. 14.

New York is the first MLS team to have three designated players not subject to the league's salary budget. Angel, a Colombian forward, has been with the club since 2007.

They also upgraded their roster before the season by signing midfielder Joel Lindpere, an Estonian national team regular. New York's intention is to continue signing big-name players.

"We are aggressive at the moment with our signings. We want to be aggressive," Red Bulls sporting director Erik Soler said. "If soccer in the United States is going to be in line with the other sports, you have to do it this way. You have to get world-class players into your roster to succeed in the shorter and longer term."

Marquez mentioned that he made his decision on his own, without taking into account Henry's plans.

"If Thierry would have say yes or no, I would have made the same decision," he said.

He doesn't plan to emulate was Henry in taking the PATH commuter train from the World Trade Center to Red Bull Arena, across the Passaic River, to Newark.

Henry can pass in relative anonymity. That may not be the case for Marquez, because there are 1 million of Mexicans living in the New York area.

"I will see later on what will be my best option to come here," he said.