Bocanegra signs with French club Rennes


RENNES, France (AP)—U.S. national team captain Carlos Bocanegra signed with the French club Rennes following five seasons with Fulham in the English Premier League.

“I was in a hurry to join Rennes,” the defender was quoted as saying on Rennes’ Web site. “After five years with Fulham, I wanted to play in another European league other than England. I appreciate the French championship. It’s a very high level and well reputed championship. The club also forms good players.”

The 29-year-old, who signed Tuesday, hopes to help Rennes qualify for the European Champions League. The club was 16-12-10 last season, 21 points behind first-place Lyon.

Bocanegra, who was with Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire from 2000-03, has played in central defense for the U.S. Rennes coach Guy Lacombe could use Bocanegra in the middle or on the side.

“I prefer to play in the middle of the defense, but I am also happy to play down the left flank,” Bocanegra told the Web site. “I will adapt to the team and the orders of the coach.”

Bocanegra was flattered by Lacombe’s interest.

“You sense that he is coming to full maturity. I hope he will bring us all his experience,” the coach told the Web site. “Tactically, he is very intelligent.”

Why would a man want to leave the best Club championship in the world the EPL to the French league. He is Latino. Can he speak french ?