Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com
Joel Lindpere might not be a Designated Player like Thierry Henry or Rafa Marquez, but he arguably means the most out of anybody to the potential success of the New York Red Bulls. That makes the club's announcement Tuesday that he isn't going anywhere anytime soon all the more notable.
Lindpere signed a new multi-year contract with the club, allaying fears that the integral midfielder would leave the club for other options when his previous contract expired.
"Joel has been an important part of our progress over the last two seasons and has become one of our most popular players because of his work rate, performance and commitment to the club," Red Bulls sporting director Erik Soler said in a team statement. "We wanted to reward him with a new contract to recognize his efforts and are excited that we agreed to a new contract with him."
The Estonian was voted the team's most valuable player in 2010, his first season in MLS after joining the league from Tromso in Norway. Last year he started all of the club's 34 league matches, accounting for seven goals and seven assists. He also scored the game-winning goal in New York's wildcard playoff victory over FC Dallas that lifted the club to the conference semifinal round.
What do you think of this development?
Share your thoughts below.