Rafael Marquez signs with Red Bulls

Rafael Marquez had 13 goals in 242 matches with FC Barcelona. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The New York Red Bulls continue to load up their roster with experienced international players.

FC Barcelona star and Mexican national team captain Rafael Marquez signed a multi-year contract as New York's third designated player on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Marquez's arrival in New York comes just over two weeks after the MLS club inked French striker Thierry Henry to a designated-player contract.

MLS rules stipulate that teams can sign up to three designated players with a minimal hit to the salary cap. Colombian star Juan Pablo Angel signed with New York in 2007 as the club's original DP.

Marquez, a 31-year-old defender who can also play in midfield, was linked with New York since the conclusion of the recent World Cup in South Africa. He was released from the final two seasons of his contract with Barcelona last week.

Henry and Marquez are the latest international stars to recently join MLS. Mexican forward Nery Castillo signed with the Chicago Fire, and Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Fernandez signed with the Seattle Sounders last week.

"I am excited to be joining the Red Bulls," Marquez said in a news release.

'Chance that I could not refuse'

"Despite having the opportunity to fulfil my contract with Barcelona, coming to New York and playing in Major League Soccer was a chance that I could not refuse.

"I am completely 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."

Marquez has served as captain of Mexico since 2002, earning 94 caps (with 11 goals) for his country and playing in three World Cups. He made his national team debut in 1997 and played a key role in helping Mexico win the 1999 Confederations Cup and 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

He spent the last seven seasons of his club career with Barcelona with whom he won four Spanish league championships (2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010) and Champions League titles in 2006 and 2009.

Marquez had 13 goals in 242 matches with the Catalan club

Prior to joining Barcelona, Marquez played for French side AS Monaco from 1999 to 2003.

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