The greatest forward in the history of the New York Red Bulls will be around a little longer as the club announced on Monday that Juan Pablo Angel has been signed to a multi-year extension.
Although terms of the deal were not disclosed, Angel, arguably the most successful designated player in league history, will be among the top paid players in MLS.
"Juan has shown over the course of the two years that he's been here that not only been one of the franchise's most important signings and potent strikers, but I think one of the leagues," Red Bulls sporting director Jeff Agoos said in a conference call Monday afternoon. "He should certainly be one of the highest paid players."
According to Red Bulls managing director Erik Stover, Angel will be a member of the Red Bulls in 2009 and 2010 with "options beyond that."
"This is a clear sign from the organization that stability and continuity on and off the field are very important for us," Stover said. "This is the first of what we hope are many steps to help solidify our organization from top to bottom."
Angel, a two-time MLS All-Star, has scored 33 goals in 47 games since joining the Red Bulls on a free transfer from English Premiership side Aston Villa on April 17, 2007 as one of the league's first designated players. He has said during the offseason how important it was that the contract negotiations be completed before the start of his third MLS season.
That happened, with 31 days to spare before the regular-season opener at Seattle on March 19.
"This extension is very important for me and my family," Angel said. "We've been working really hard over the last couple of months and finally we got it done at the right time before the start of the season."
The former Colombian international missed seven games in 2008 due to injury, but still scored 14 goals in 23 regular-season games. He scored two goals in a 4-1 aggregate win over the two-time defending MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference Semifinal Series and led the Red Bulls to their first appearance in the MLS Cup.
Angel said last year's magical playoff run played a big role in his wanting to return to the Red Bulls.
"I think that was vital," he said. "What happened last year with the team was phenomenal. I'm really excited about this upcoming season. Having reached the MLS Cup last year gave us obviously a great (excitement) for this year."
Angel said the desire to play in Red Bull Arena, which is scheduled to open in time for the beginning of the 2010 season, was also a factor.
"Most importantly I'm really looking forward to when we start playing at the Red Bull Arena which I'm sure, I have no doubt, is going to be the best stadium (in MLS)," he said.
According to Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio, Angel's contribution to the team goes beyond the goals he has scored.
"He has shown in every game and every practice is second to none," Osorio said. "He is a very good example not only for the young players, but every player on the team. Every day he brings that willingness to become better. That is contagious."
The 33-year-old, who was a MLS Best XI selection after scoring 19 goals and five assists in 24 games in his first MLS season, could conceivably end his storied career with the Red Bulls.
But retirement hasn't entered Angel's mind just yet.
"Right now I feel very strong, I feel excited to wake up in the morning and work out with the team," Angel said. "As of now I don't have a change of mind. We'll see what happens over the next hopefully few years."
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