Two-time defending Mexican champion Leon announced on August 4, 2014, that defender Rafael Marquez (pictured) is leaving the club to join Italy's Hellas Verona. (Photo: Mexsport)
LEON, Mexico – Leon announced Monday the transfer of Mexico international Rafael Marquez to Italy’s Hellas Verona.
The 35-year-old, who will miss out on the club’s debut campaign in the CONCACAF Champions League, reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Serie A side.
This will be Marquez’s third team in Europe. He played with Monaco in France from 1999-2003 and then enjoyed seven trophy-filled years with Barcelona, winning a pair of UEFA Champions League titles, four Spanish La Liga crowns and a FIFA Club World Cup in 2009.
Before heading to Leon in late 2012, Marquez spent two-and-a-half seasons with the New York Red Bulls.
With La Fiera, the central defender captured the Liga MX 2013 Clausura and 2014 Apertura championships.
Internationally, Marquez has appeared in four World Cups with Mexico, including the recently completed edition in Brazil. He also won the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, plus the 2003 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups.
