Retirement? Albert Celades Signs With Kitchee of Hong Kong

By: Dave Martinez | February 8th, 2010

hong-kong-phooey-gal-431 When Albert Celades was last heard from, he was rejecting a potential deal to return to the New York Red Bulls in favor of a long overdue retirement. Surely, a season like 2009 would tempt any player to do so. But after some time off where he even rejected offers to first division La Liga squads, Celades has finally decided on his future. His new home? The Hong Kong Super League. Specifically, with Kitchee SC.

Yes. Celades turned down the States for Asia. What a metaphor for modern times. But let’s steer clear of the politics, shall we?

Since Kitchee hired Spaniard Josep Gombau as their technical director, he has been enticing his countrymen to head on over and join Kitchee in this growing league. Celades was one of the many Spaniards to accept the offer, joining counterparts Francisco Javier Pérez, Ubay Luzado, Baruc Nsue and Sergio Aure – all Catalans.

In the words of Joel Lindpere, it seems that Albert Celades was looking for one more “adventure” in his life. This would definitely classify as one. But it does strike me that the attacking mid would flat out reject not only the Red Bulls, but several first and second division Spanish clubs, only to be enticed by the Super League.

Should Red Bull fans be insulted? On the face of it, maybe. But when you take into consideration the group of teams in the rejection pool, it paints the picture not of a rejection of MLS, but as an individuals choice to play in a completely foreign environment, with some of his countrymen in tow. In that sense, how can anyone’s ego be bruised by the move?

Share your thoughts on this surprise signing in the comments below.

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Dave Martinez

What? No love for Hong Kong Phooey?! Oh people, the disappointment.
nolayuprule

Cant blame him. Playing a season on turf at his age is brutal and the misery of the season must have been almost as bad.

best of luck to him. he was probably our best midfield player last season but his lack of health at this point makes him really not such a great choice for us at this time
luis Y

Well if he's playing along with some friends in the same team then it's worth it. They must be in it for the challenge of trying to win in a lower tier league, sound like fun. Hong Kong is a nice place to live in too I think with all those tall buildings and lights.
Pico

Actually, the food in Hong Kong makes it all worth it. Good luck to him.

Cheers
Dave Martinez

Matt, I was reading up on that when you posted. Quite the step down. But hey, its a once in a lifetime opportunity. Why not take it?
Matt Conroy

Not insulted at all. Good for him. Strange move, though. Kitchee play in the Hong Kong superleague, which is pretty far down the ladder, even for Asia.