31.07.2010 11:04

Marquez’s seven seasons

Roger Bogunyà

Rafa Márquez’s departure comes after seven seasons at the club, in which the Mexican has won 12 titles and become the eighth leading foreign player in terms of appearances.

It’s been nearly seven years since Marquez made his league debut for the club, on September 3rd 2003 and since then he has picked up every title in the game under both Rijkaard and Guardiola.

Centre half

In his first season at the club, Marquez figured as a centre half, though injuries limited his appearances, but in his second season, injuries to Motta and Edmilson meant that he had to stand in as a defensive midfielder, a role he filled perfectly, with his versatility meaning he played in 34 of that season’s league games.

Paris

Rijkaard was a key cornerstone of Rijkaard’s teams and although 2005-06 was again marred by injuries, the Mexican was a starter in the Champions League winning team in Paris that took the double and proved a high point in Marquez’s career at the club.

Injuries plague progress

Injuries again limited Marquez’s influence in 2006/07 and 07/08, when with Toure in the team, he moved back to the heart of defence where he frequently partnered Milito. Those were two tough seasons for Barca though, as the team failed to win a single trophy.

Key in treble season

When Rijkaard left and a number of big names such as Deco and Ronaldinho also moved on, Marquez’s continuity at the club was down to new boss Pep Guardiola, who decided to keep the Mexican and make him a vital part of his new project. Marquez was unlucky to pick up another serious injury in the Champions League semi final in April and miss out on the team’s win in Rome. Marquez’s final season at the club saw him take more of a back seat and he played much fewer games.

242 games and 13 goals

Marquez played a total of 242 games, making him the eighth leading foreign appearance maker and scored 13 times – the majority with headers or trademark pile driver free kicks.