Rafa Marquez released by New York Red Bulls

Rafa Marquez' tumultuous tenure with the New York Red Bulls is over. The MLS club announced Thursday that Marquez has been released from the club.

"This decision has been made in the best interests of both parties concerned," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. "Rafa has accomplished a great deal during his career and is a top quality player. We want to thank him for his service to the Red Bulls and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career."

In his two plus seasons with the club, Márquez appeared in 44 regular season games (42 of them starts) and notched one goal and nine assists. Last season, Márquez played in 15 matches and recorded three assists. He started in six playoff games during his time as a Red Bull, getting ejected from two of those. Marquez was also suspended for a game by the Red Bulls during the 2011 season for remarks critical of his teammates. He was often-injured and always temperamental while in New York.

SB Nation's Once A Metro won't miss Marquez, calling him "potentially the most derided designated player signing in the history of the league" and saying news of his release offered Red Bulls' fans "a chance to celebrate."