Maxi Moralez, a legendary playmaker, will leave NYCFC this winter to join Racing Club, the club announced on Friday.
Since 2017, Maxi Moralez has been with New York, signing from Liga MX club Leon after stints in Europe with Atalanta and FC Moscow, among others.
The former Argentina international made 194 appearances for NYCFC in all competitions, scoring 36 goals and assisting 60 others while helping the team win the MLS Cup and Campeones Cup.
Moralez is recognized as one of the finest players in the club’s history, and he departs with his reputation intact. The 35-year-old now returns to the club where he began his professional career.
“After a very long absence, my family and I have chosen to return to Argentina, my home country. Because of all we’ve done together, it was one of the most difficult choices I’ve ever had to make in my whole career. Since my first day here, the fans have made me feel like I belong with them. These memories, along with the fact that New York City is the finest city in the world, have made this choice exceedingly difficult,” Moralez said in a press statement.
“Racing is where I got my start, they raised me, and many years ago, they offered me the chance to play professional football and be where I am now. To watch me perform at Racing was a dream of mine, my children, and my family, and I’d want to make it come true for them.
“Playing for NYCFC has been the most enjoyable six years of my life, filled with so much pleasure, successes, and setbacks, but I’ve always been so delighted to represent this club. NYCFC is my longest-tenured club, which makes me extremely pleased since it is a fantastic club in a beautiful city, and being a part of it is like belonging to a large family.”
Few, if any, players have left such an indelible mark on NYCFC as Moralez, whose performance levels never declined despite his advanced age. The Citydwellers will now focus their efforts on selecting a suitable successor.
“It has been an absolute joy getting to know and working with Maxi,” said the club’s sports director in a news statement. “No one can dispute his influence over the previous six seasons; he’ll always be a legend at the club and among our supporters because he’s given us so many incredible experiences. In addition to his incredible talent, he has been a model professional and role model for our younger players from day one.
“Maxi has earned his position in the Club’s annals. In New York, he will forever be regarded as a brilliant player whose presence and leadership were instrumental in securing our first silverware. We are aware that returning to Argentina has always been Maxi’s desire and that he has had to make a very tough choice. We shall miss him, but we want what is best for him and his family.”
