Red Bulls call on striker Angel
The New York Red Bulls announced Tuesday that the club has signed former Aston Villa striker and Colombian international Juan Pablo Angel. He is the second designated player to join the club after Claudio Reyna and will count as the fourth senior international on the Red Bulls' roster.
"I am thrilled about acquiring Juan Pablo for the New York Red Bulls," said sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena. "It is no secret that we have been searching for a striker since the end of the 2006 season, and Juan Pablo has been at the top of my list since day one. To bring him here is a great situation for both Juan Pablo personally and the Red Bulls. I believe in time he will prove to be an excellent addition to our team."
Angel, 31, has played for Aston Villa since arriving at the English Premier League club in January, 2001 following a 9.5 million pound transfer from Argentina's River Plate. While at Villa, Angel appeared in 205 games in all competitions, scoring 62 goals. In the past year in England's top league, Angel played in 23 games and scored four goals, while also finding the net three times in League Cup matches.
Angel was one of the most dangerous attacking players in Argentina during his time with River Plate. Between 1997 and 2001, Angel scored 45 goals in 91 games and helped the legendary club to four league championships in five seasons. He also has 18 caps and four goals for the Colombian national team.
"I am delighted to be joining the New York Red Bulls," said Angel. "I cannot wait to start this new exciting challenge. I believe Major League Soccer is growing fast and I am very keen to be a part of this. I am grateful for the faith in coach Bruce Arena and the club has put in me and I cannot wait to join up with my new teammates. I would like to thank Martin O'Neill, Aston Villa and especially the supporters who have always made me feel so welcome and I will always have great memories of my time at the club. I wish the club well for the future."
Prior to moving to Argentina, Angel began his professional career with his hometown club Nacional Medellin in 1993. The 6-foot-1 striker played in 57 games and scored nine goals before his move to River Plate.
"Juan Pablo has both the physical attributes and the intellect of a world class striker that will certainly help us become a better team," said Red Bulls technical director Jeff Agoos. "He is a natural leader up front with the ability to finish plays off, which is something we have been looking for since the end of last season. We are extremely excited to bring a player of his caliber to the New York Red Bulls."
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
