Cruz Azul announces departure of Rafael Baca

Through its social media channels, Cruz Azul announced the departure of Rafael Baca ahead of the next season. Despite still having a contract, he reached an agreement with the board to terminate it and join another team, mainly due to not being considered by Ricardo Ferretti for the Apertura 2023.

"Today it's time to say goodbye. Thank you for all this time wearing the La Máquina jersey. We wish you success in your future projects. Thank you very much, Rafa!" wrote the club on its social media.

Baca had six months left on his contract; however, the board made the decision to terminate his services, allowing him to join another team as a free agent.

The player, who was developed at LA Galaxy, joined Cruz Azul at the beginning of the 2014 season and made his debut on April 18th of that year.

In nearly 10 years wearing the blue shirt, Baca won the league championship in the club's ninth title, in the Guardianes 2021; in addition, he won a Champion of Champions, the Copa MX in 2018, a Supercopa, and the Leagues Cup.

He was one of the few veteran players remaining on the team, alongside Jesús Corona, after the departure of "Cata" Domínguez.

In the video posted by Cruz Azul, Baca can be seen receiving his champion's medal. Despite those accomplishments, the player was one of the most criticized in recent tournaments, being the target of boos during matches, even when he didn't play.

This way, Rafael Baca joins the departures of Michael Estrada, Gonzalo Carneiro, Ramiro Funes Mori, Julio César Domínguez, Jaiber Jiménez, Joaquín Martínez, and Jordan Silva.

FCM