WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Mexico captain and Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez signed with Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls, the U.S. team announced on Monday.

The 31-year-old joins former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry at the Red Bulls.

"Coming to New York and playing in Major League Soccer was a chance that I could not refuse," Marquez said in a statement released by his new team. "I am committed to doing my very best to help the Red Bulls in their playoff push this year and compete for championships in the years to come."

File photo of Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez

Marquez, who may play in midfield for the Red Bulls, was to be introduced at a news conference Tuesday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison.

He scored 13 goals in 242 matches with Barcelona, helping win two Champions League titles, four Spanish league championships, a European Supercup and a Copa del Rey trophy. Before joining the Spanish power, he was with Monaco from 1999-03.