Mexico defender Rafael Marquez is leaving Barcelona on a free transfer, after the reigning La Liga champions agreed to release him from his contract.

GettyImagesRafael Marquez has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons

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Marquez's contract had been due to expire in 2012 but, as happened Thierry Henry a couple of weeks ago, the captain of Mexico's World Cup team was allowed to leave earlier.

Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls are favourite to land Marquez, with MLS commissioner Don Garber revealing earlier this week that a move was being mooted.

Since arriving from Monaco in 2003, Marquez has helped Barcelona win two Champions League titles, four Spanish league championships, a European Super Cup and a Copa del Rey trophy. Marquez made 242 appearances for the Catalan club.