Marquez shuts down Chelsea, shows off pipes

March 9th, 2006 | by: John |

It has been a good week for Rafa Marquez, center back for Barcelona. First, Barcelona advanced to the champions League quarterfinals. Then, he took the stage with one of Mexico’s most famous singers. It was Marquez’ center pass on Eto’o’s goal that proved to be the game winner at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago. This week, the Kaiser de Michoacán was instrumental in frustrating Chelsea’s offense in their second leg of their Champions League tilt. Barça exacted revenge on the Blues for last years Champions elimination. And now they are the prohibitive favorites to lift the cup in St. Denis on May 17.
But if that wasn’t enough for the Mexican captain, he then took the stage with Alejandro Fernandez, the ultra-popular Mexican singer, at his stop in Barcelona to belt out a few tunes with the crooner. I haven’t heard Rafa sing, but I think I can safely say that Fernandez won’t lose any record sales.
Marquez has made the most of his opportunity with Barça since moving from AS Monaco in 2003. He is signed through ’07, but there are rumors that AC Milan may be extremely interested in signing him. Rafa knows he is at the peak of his career, and feels that the upcoming World Cup can be the highlight of his career. Let’s hope so. Marquez is great player, but he left that last world cup ignominiously with a red card on a brutal “challenge” on Coby Jones. In the Confed cup last year, he also received red vs. Argentina. Both games ended in Mexico defeats. Coach Lavolpe is hoping to phase out the reckless play that has historically plagued Mexico in the past. He is emphasizing team unity and smart play as the foundation for his team in Germany.