Photo by ISIphotos.com
The Red Bulls have become notorious through the years for seeing players come and go with great frequency. In the case of Juan Pablo Angel, the club had a player it could not afford to lose.
That, coupled with Angel's desire to stay in MLS and with the team he has spent the past two years with, led to the Red Bulls signing Angel to a contract extension on Monday.
'This is a clear sign from the organization that stability and continuity on and off the field are very important for us," Red Bulls managing director Erik Stover said. "This is the first of what we hope are many steps to help solidify our organization from top to bottom."
The new deal is guaranteed through the 2010 season, with multiple option years after that, meaning the the Colombian striker is a safe bet to retire as a Red Bull, but not before helping open Red Bull Arena in 2010.
"We’ve been working really hard over the last couple of months and finally we got it done at the right time before the start of the season," Angel said. "Most importantly I’m really looking forward to when we start playing at the Red Bull Arena which I’m sure, I have no doubt, is going to be the best stadium (in MLS)."
Although his deal should carry him into retirement, Angel wasn't thinking about the end of his career. He was thinking about 2009 and getting the Red Bulls back to MLS Cup.
"Right now I feel very strong," Angel said. "I feel excited to wake up in the morning and work out with the team. As of now I don’t have a change of mind. We’ll see what happens over the next hopefully few years."
Stover wouldn't give specifics of Angel's new deal, but did say that it will keep Angel among the league's highest-paid players.
What do you think about the news? Relieved to know that Angel will be around for a while? Were you worried that Angel would return to Argentina like Marcelo Gallardo did? Are you already envisioning Angel playing in Red Bull Arena?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives, how does this contract interface with the fact that the DP rule ends, in principle, at the end of the 2009 season? At the end of 2009, its future is to be reviewed at the League level. Does Angel’s contract assume that the League will renew the rule (which I suppose is likely)? Or has RBNY decided they’re OK with the possibility of taking his entire salary as a cap hit?
Wonderful to see RB making a smart move!!
If he is a DP till the end its still great news. His skills, class, and professionalism are priceless in this league. I can’t wait for the home opener.
And I’m liking Erik Stover’s honesty and updates to the RBNY fans.
Great move – Lets hope he stays healthly and plays the whole season!!!
Ives can you clarify if all the years are DP? That’s kind of an importnant consideration in weighing whether this is great news, or just good news.
Nice to see an import respect MLS unlike that loser Beckham.
But im sure wanting to play at Red Bull Arena had something to do with it. Who could blame him either, its going to be a wonderful stadium to watch football in.
Galaxy fans, I’d much rather have a mancrush on Angel than a mancrush on Becks
I’m psyched he’s coming back
This is fantastic news for RBNY fans everywhere! Angel is the best player in our team’s history and he’ll retire in a RBNY jersey. LET GO RED BULLS!
Angel gives the Red Bulls wings. Up up and away.
ives any info on the status of his contract? is he a DP in 2010 and 2011?
it would be sweet if he wasnt in 2010 and 2011 so we can pair him up with 2 other DP’s when RBA opens up.
i said this in another post…the guy may be 33, but he’s the fittest 33 you’ll find. He’s a pro who takes conditioning and nutrition seriously
What Modibo said… Let’s clone Angel while his genes are still golden! Bravo to Agoos, Stover and RBNY!
JPA, above all other DPs (save for Schellotto) deserves whatever he’s getting paid… He SCORES GOALS, takes the team to the MLS Cup and is a good looking chap! (BTW, I’m happily hetero and married 😉 )
Angel…Red Bull legend forever. Glad he’s staying with us.
This is fantastic for RBNY and MLS. Angel is a quality player who is an example of a perfect fit for MLS because of his play and his attitude *cough* unlike Beckham! *cough*.
Can we clone him?
As I said on the last post, class attitude. It’s great to root for a guy who believes in MLS.
Great move by RBNY.
We need more designated players like Angel to stick around and continue to make a real difference on the field and quality of play.
Angel, Schelotto and Blnaco have been great for MLS quality. Donovan is solid too (though I hate to admit it).
Beckham has been great for marketing.
All the other DP’s have sucked and are a waste of money.
We need more Angels, Schelottos, Blancos and yes Donovans. Players that take MLS seriously.
No Lopez like paycut? Pfft, looks like Agoos didn’t do his job.
OMG, IM SOOOO HAPPY THIS GOT DONE!
I really couldnt be happier right now. This is the best move in this offseason. Lets Go Red Bulls!!!!!!
Ruiz, I think it is a horse fly on his lower lip.
JPA best DP ever!!!
Angel is the guardian angel of RedBull
Good for Angel and the team. I must admit he is a great asset to the team and league. This coming form a United fan.
Does JPA have a soul patch in that picture?
i want to be his friend. haha