Barcelona have confirmed Mexico captain Rafael Marquez will leave the club by mutual agreement. The defender had been contracted to the Spanish champions for another two years but the club announced they have agreed to "rescind" the deal.

"Today's announcement brings the curtain down on Rafa's superb career with the club he joined in 2003," said a club statement, yesterday.

"As a Barca player he's won four league titles, two Champions Leagues, the World Club Cup, the European Super Cup, the Spanish Cup and three Spanish Super Cups.

"The 31-year-old Mexican international defender has played 242 games for the club, which puts him eighth in the ranking of foreign players. He's been a fixture in the plans of both of the Barca managers he's served under, Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola."

Marquez is reportedly set to move to American side New York Red Bulls, who former Barca team-mate Thierry Henry joined earlier this summer.

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