The Red Bulls signed Brazilian star Juninho, taking what they hope is a huge step in solving their search for creativity in the midfield.
The Post had reported 10 days ago that a deal was likely, and the Red Bulls made it official with a one-year contract, according to a source familiar with the deal. The deal is pending receipt of his P-1 visa and ITC (International Transfer Certificate), and no mention was made of it being a Designated Player signing.
The 37-year-old is considered one of the greatest dead-ball artists in the history of the game, having perfected a free kick that moves like a knuckleball, and the Red Bulls hope he can do for them what David Beckham did for the two-time defending MLS Cup champion Galaxy.
The venerable midfielder is a former Brazilian National Team standout who was a member of the 2006 World Cup squad. He comes to New York from Brazilian First Division side Vasco da Gama, and could move the needle in the heavily Brazilian Ironbound section of Newark, which is right across the Passaic River from Red Bull Arena.
“Juninho is a world-class player,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “Aside from being a top dead-ball specialist and a tremendous talent, Juninho is a fantastic professional both on and off the field. He is in great physical shape and we think he can make a positive impact for us in 2013.”
Juninho has a longstanding relationship with Global Sporting Director Gerard Houllier, who reportedly spent nearly two weeks meeting with his former player in Rio de Janeiro.
Juninho played under Houllier at Lyon in the French league, and helped the club win its first-ever domestic title — then went on to win seven straight crowns. Juninho will also be closer to his eldest daughter, who is in California.
At 37, there are natural concerns about how much he has left in the tank. But in his recent stint at Vasco da Gama, Juninho played 50 games since last year and scored 14 goals. Prior to that, Juninho was with Qatari club Al-Gharafa, where he was named Player of the Year after helping his club win the league title. Juninho had a storied career playing for French First Division club Olympique Lyonnais from 2001-2009.With Lyon, he helped win those seven straight Ligue 1 crowns from 2002-08 while recording 100 goals in 344 matches in all competitions. His goal mark is fourth all-time in Lyon history. A veteran of the UEFA Champions League competition, Juninho — who played under Houllier from 2005-07 — was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year in the 2005-06 season and was a three-time member of the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
Juninho began his career with Brazilian side, Sport, in 1991 before heading to Vasco da Gama in 1995. He won the Brazilian Championship with the Rio de Janeiro-based side in 1997 and 2000 and the Copa Libertadores in 1998.
On the international stage, Juninho made his Brazilian National Team debut in 1999 and earned 47 caps for his country, notching seven goals. He was a member of the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad before retiring from international soccer following the tournament.