Mexico international Pablo Barrera (pictured) joined Monterrey for the 2015 Liga MX Clausura after two-and-a-half years with Cruz Azul. (Photo: Mexsport)
MONTERREY, Mexico – After reaching the semifinals of the 2014 Liga MX Apertura, Monterrey took a step to go one better next year, announcing Friday the acquisition of Pablo Barrera from Cruz Azul.
The 27-year-old attacker joined La Maquina ahead of the 2012 Apertura, appearing in 50 Liga MX games and scoring four goals. He was part of the squad that won the 2013/14 CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) and played in one match at the recently completed FIFA Club World Cup.
“It is the beauty of football that I now have a new challenge in a good team and it must be seized,” said Barrera, who has three career CCL goals. “They gave me that confidence. I am very grateful to come to Monterrey. I want to respond on the field to the directors and the fans.”
Barrera, who has also played for Pumas (2005-2010), West Ham United (2010-2012) and Real Zaragoza (loan: 2011-12), has six goals in 57 international appearances for Mexico. He scored twice in the Tricolor’s 4-2 win over the United States in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
In 2009, Barrera netted two goals in Mexico’s run to the Gold Cup title and, a year later, he played in three games at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Monterrey has captured four Mexican league and three CONCACAF Champions League titles.
