Mexico captain Rafa Márquez sealed his long-awaited return to Atlas as he looks to complete his career with his first club.
Márquez completed his free transfer switch from Hellas Verona and officially signed his contract with the Liga MX side on Sunday night.
The decision to return to Mexico allowed Márquez to bring his career full circle. The 36-year-old defender made his professional debut for Atlas at the age of 17 and played four years for the Guadalajara-based side before moving to AS Monaco in 1999.
¡ES OFICIAL! @RafaMarquezMX estampó su firma y se convierte en jugador de Atlas para el Cl'16. #BienvenidoKáiser pic.twitter.com/Bccv4YLtRm
— Atlas FC (@atlasfc) December 21, 2015
Those formative years laid the foundation for a career spanning two decades. Marquez reached his highest point during an eight-year spell with Barcelona, a stretch that included four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League triumphs. He also featured for New York Red Bulls and Club León before playing one-and-a-half years in Serie A.
In addition to his considerable exploits at club level, Márquez captained El Tri in four consecutive World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014) and racked up 16 appearances in those tournaments. He also steered Mexico to victory over the United States in the CONCACAF Cup in October.
Márquez is expected to bolster an Atlas defense in desperate need of reinforcements ahead of the Clausura. Atlas conceded 28 goals in 17 matches during the Apertura as former manager Gustavo Matosas once again placed considerable emphasis on pushing forward.
The arrival of former Barcelona (Ecuador) and Santa Fe manager Gustavo Costas provides a chance for Atlas to reorganize ahead of the Clausura. By adding Márquez and Uruguay midfielder Egidio Arévalo to the ranks this month, the club now boasts a reinforced spine to sidestep any potential relegation concerns next season.
