Liga MX side León have signed former Mexico captain and five-time World Cup participant Andrés Guardado, the club said Thursday.
The 37-year-old midfielder, who retired from the national team in 2023 after a record 179 appearances for Mexico, has now he returned to Liga MX after last playing for the Atlas kids club in 2007.
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After leaving Atlas, Guardado had a long 17-year career in European club football that took him to Deportivo La Coruña, Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven and, most recently, Real Betis.
Guardado is the Mexican with the most seasons in European football and the all-time non-national leader in appearances (218) with Real Betis.
“Captain Verdiblanco has been key in the sporting growth of recent years. With him, the team has qualified for European competitions four times and also won the Copa del Rey in 2022,” Real Betis said in a statement.
“The Club would like to thank Guardado profusely for his services and wish him all the best for the future.”
Under the direction of new coach Jorge Bava, León began the 2024 Clausura season on Wednesday with a 2-1 loss at home to Tigres.
In early December, the winners of the 2023 Concacaf Champions League were eliminated in their Club World Cup debut after a 1-0 loss to Urawa Red Diamonds.
