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Monterrey will be keeping their captain for at least another season. The Liga MX side announced on Tuesday that they had reached an agreement with Celso Ortiz until June 2024.
Ortiz will remain captain even under new manager Fernando Ortiz as the Argentine tactician likes the Paraguayan international’s leadership in the Rayados dressing room.
The 34-year-old’s contract extension signifies the club’s recognition of his exceptional contributions on and off the field. Since joining Monterrey in 2016, Ortiz has become a key figure in the team’s midfield.
While Rayados is likely happy to have kept their captain, there is skepticism over the new contract due to his age, occupation of a foreign spot, and inability to play 90 minutes; Ortiz averaged 72 minutes per game during the Clausura tournament, per Sofascore.
Stefan Medina comments on Rayados adding reinforcements
Monterrey has yet to add significant players to help the first team. With Monterrey being linked to high-profile players like Lucas Moura, the fanbase is on pins and needles, waiting to see if a signing occurs.
As a key member of the Monterrey squad, Medina understands the importance of continuously improving and strengthening the team.
“Here you have to live day by day,” Medina told reporters on Tuesday (h/t AS). “The reality is that an institution like Monterrey seeks to improve its squad tournament after tournament. Those of us who are here now have to enjoy it and take advantage of every opportunity that is given to us.
“Hopefully, the teammates who have options to leave remain totally focused in the day-to-day work and do their job as they have been doing. It is simply that, enjoying the team we have, the club we play for, and to be able to improve day by day.”