Rafa Marquez admits regrets over his departure from Barcelona

Mexican defender Rafa Marquez ended his career with Barcelona in June 2010. After seven seasons and 242 official games, he left for MLS after becoming the eighth foreign player to make the most appearances for the Blaugrana. Now, in his final days as a player with Atlas, he admits he left European football too soon. 

In an interview with Marca on Monday, the player spoke about his departure from the Catalan club. "I realised that I'd left to early. In the moment I thought that it was a good idea to go to the USA and ease down a little bit. But when I was there I wanted and could have played at a more competitive level. The truth it I regret it," the centre-back confessed about the time he left Barça, aged 31- 

Marquez added that his spell with Barça provided him with "the best memories of my career. I had the most beautiful years in a wonderful city which always treated me with a lot of affection. They were seven incredible years at one of the most important institutions in the world." 

However, it was not easy at the start: "The first days [at the club] I was thinking that I was in a dream, I could not believe that I was there... my life had undergone a radical change. I was next to Ronaldinho, Xavi, [Carles] Puyol... it was hard to adapt. After that I was aware that if I was there, there was a reason for that and the good times began." 

The player, who coincided with Luis Enrique as a player, also praised the current Barça manager. "You soon realised that he was a born leader," he said. 

In recent days, Marquez has been in the news for his criticism of American president Donald Trumps policies. Looking into the future, he also said he'd like to be involved with Barça again when he retires: "It's in my plans, I would be delighted to return to Barcelona if they would consider it."