EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – No matter what happens with the Red Bulls next week and the possible ensuing round, one thing is for certain, midfielder/forward Youri Djorkaeff played his last game at Giants Stadium.

The 38 year-old announced his retirement earlier this season, after showing his age, by scoring only two goals with four assists on 59 shots in 21 games. This coming after a 10 goal, seven assist effort last year when he came over from Blackburn of the English Premier League.

Even with a substandard effort, Djorkaeff has fond memories of the Meadowlands.

“When I signed here in New York and it was full of snow,” he said. “I walked on the field and it was a great feeling. I didn't know it was turf. I was thinking it was in a great area for soccer. Some big players played here. I was proud to play in Giants Stadium.”

Djorkaeff is the first French player to come over to the MLS. As a pioneer, he hopes his experiences will influence other Franco footballers to sign in the U.S.

“I would tell them it's great,” he said. “It's been a great experience. Maybe there is a little problem with America and France with the politics, but people like us here and we like America. I think for French players, will be a great experience. I was the first and I hope more will come.”

It may have been great all around, but one thing he won't miss, the Giants Stadium turf. After next year, that won't be a problem, as the Red Bulls will move into their new facility in Harrison.

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