Ace 3,556 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I was fighting through this decision this past offseason and thinking, “How much longer am I going to play,” and “What do I want to do with my career?” I’m still hungry for the game and I want to play, but unfortunately you can’t play forever. The timing is right for me. It took me about six months to come to a final decision. I’ve known for a little while now in my mind and in my heart. I’m happy with it, and I’m looking forward to the new challenges.Coming into the National Team at a young age, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, you come into a setup where it could be such a scary situation. You had all these incredible veterans, and these guys created an environment and a culture for young guys to come into where they showed you respect and treated you as one of their own. I think that was a big part of my learning experience on how to be a professional, how to be a leader and how to go about your business. That carried me throughout my career. It was invaluable to be brought up in that environment.I think I’m most proud of my time spent with the National Team. Throughout your career you play for different clubs and have different experiences, but there has been one constant in my life and my career, and that’s the U.S. National Team. I’m just so proud that I got to represent the country for so long and play at the highest level I could.I’ve been pretty fortunate in my career. One of most special opportunities was being able to captain the National Team. It’s a true honor and something I didn’t take lightly. When I can look back on my career, it’s something I’m very proud of and will cherish forever.Some of my favorite memories came from just being around the guys. Being in that locker room, fighting together on the field, celebrating the victories, and even sharing the agony of defeat. The National Team was a big, big part of my life. I made so many lifelong friends from my career. I owe so much to U.S. Soccer for all the things I’ve been able to experience. Just being out there with the guys is what I’m going to miss the most.When I think about memorable games, you have to throw in the Spain game in the Confederations Cup that got us to the final. They had some unbelievable winning streak going on, and we knocked them off their post. In 2006, we played Italy in Kaiserslautern. The fans were amazing in that game, it was in a World Cup, and Italy was the eventual champion. The game had everything: red cards, blood, sweat and tears, and we got a draw, so that was cool. And obviously there was the Algeria game in 2010 that advanced us to the knockout stage. We put in so much work and effort, and it came down to almost a walk-off goal, so to speak. You watched the reactions on YouTube around the country – now imagine that feeling going through every player’s body times 10 because of the relief and the joy we all felt.With my National Team career, I’ve been very fortunate to play under Bruce Arena, Bob Bradley and Jurgen Klinsmann. I learned something from each of them, and I think I grew tremendously as a player and a person.There are a lot of memories from the different club teams. You are making new friends, seeing new places, and experiencing new cultures. Soccer has shown me the world, and I grew up and became the man I am because of it. One that sticks out was my time at Rangers. It was a fantastic experience at the top club in the country. To have the chance to play in front of 52,000 fans every game at Ibrox was incredible. That showed me how much I love soccer and how much supporters can be a part of a club and even be part of a culture. Those things you never forget.When I finish my playing career, I’m looking to stay involved with soccer at the top level. I’m eager to be a part of something special. I have the hunger and the drive and the desire to keep being involved, and that’s not going anywhere. I’m excited, and I look forward to what’s coming next.http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/09/04/16/05/140904-bocanegra-own-words Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capetownbear 75 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I was at that Confed game against Spain in Mangaung/Bloemfontein (in the former Orange Free Sate )... incredible game...I went up with my mate and watched the game with my Rangers gear on cheering the States (because of Boca and Beasley.. ) and he decided to support Spain, bought himself a big fcuk off Spanish flag etc and In the end he just left in the stands haha.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeirFleckNRothen 1,789 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 It seems like Bocanegra took a right good shining to us.I was never sure about him; I wasn't overly inspired by his signing, but he started well before his pairing with Goian hit a rut. I'll also always remember his time as being the period when we went into administration.He hung around when the likes of McGregor, Naismith and Davis, apparent bluenoses, turned their backs on us. No-one can convince me that Bocanegra was money-driven on that part and for that, he's a credit.Hadn't we gone into administration, it would have been interesting to see what came of his time here - something in the same mould as Davie Weir, perhaps? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figo 91 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 The question is... Boca or Moshni.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluepeter9 5,167 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I always fancied Bocca ...... 's wife! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creampuff 22,628 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Mrs. Bocanegra Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straight-Edge-Loyal 6,698 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Alot of respect for the man good luck in your retirement Carlos Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitre_mouldmaster 21,510 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Decent guy was Boca and a model pro.Don't get the hysterical love in because he tupe'd over on his couldn't be bettered contract only to go straight out on loan, then be paid off only to sign a contract an hour later with a different club.Probably cost us more than any of the 'traitors' denied us to be honest.Some good memories from the guy and wish him all the best in his future. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingInTheNorth 27 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Another one of they players where you just wish we got him a few years earlier than when we did. Had a touch of class about him I felt we missed since Cuellar. Goainegra was an immense partnership for the first half of the season. Both fell away a little second half. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wolf of Wall Street 1 24 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Would still have him over Mohsni. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al 55 9,317 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Shows his class every time he speaks, Captain America right enough.Who knows perhaps in 5 years or so with a bit of managerial experience he may end up back at our great club. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smile 26,622 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Was murder i've never seen such an average defender praised so highly was murdered by amateur players when we went down the leagues. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamFyfe 1,438 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I love you Bocca Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poetry_In_Blue 1,043 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Excellent that he still remembers his times with us more fondly than other Soccer clubs! Shame some fans just can't appreciate that part of him and thank him for it rather than find something to slate him of for. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz52 11,837 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Shows his class every time he speaks, Captain America right enough.Who knows perhaps in 5 years or so with a bit of managerial experience he may end up back at our great club.5 years McCoist will still be in the dugout with no doubt McCulloch playing left wing back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Godfather 72,785 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Nice words.Was way past his best when he came here but looks like we had a instant effect on him.Wish him well in whatever he does next. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cameron1873 525 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 I always like Bocanegra he carried himself the way a Rangers player should. Goes a long way in my book Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibroxblue 122 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 All the best to him. A very good player and he seems like a good guy as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieD 19,311 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Decent guy was Boca and a model pro.Don't get the hysterical love in because he tupe'd over on his couldn't be bettered contract only to go straight out on loan, then be paid off only to sign a contract an hour later with a different club.Probably cost us more than any of the 'traitors' denied us to be honest.Some good memories from the guy and wish him all the best in his future.That's the club's fuck-up. He honoured his contract, they didn't. What's not to get?If you think people have a problem with the traitors simply because they denied us money, you understand nothing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tannerall 25,935 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 Would love to see him involved with us in some capacity for the future, has the makings a good coach/manager, has media savvy, lots of international experience, knew how to organise a defence, and probably has quite a few decent contacts around the world and in America.......... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al 55 9,317 Posted September 5, 2014 Share Posted September 5, 2014 5 years McCoist will still be in the dugout with no doubt McCulloch playing left wing back.I think McCulloch could do quite well in that position. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coplandbear11 1,087 Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 Loved Captain America. Absolute Professional. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
D'Artagnan 13,319 Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 I would not be surprised if one day Boca becomes our manager. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Jela 20,685 Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 That's the club's fuck-up. He honoured his contract, they didn't. What's not to get?If you think people have a problem with the traitors simply because they denied us money, you understand nothing.Amazed that anyone would even be dumb enough to compare Boca to those ship jumping rats. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Jela 20,685 Posted September 6, 2014 Share Posted September 6, 2014 I always loved the guy. He might not have been in his prime when he arrived but he was still a classy motherfucker that walked it in most games. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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