Rafael Marquez heads back to Mexico as deal with Atlas reached

Atlas have re-signed Mexico defender Rafael Marquez from Hellas Verona, the Rojinegros confirmed on Sunday.

The 36-year-old had always revealed his plan to retire at Atlas and leave Italy after two years, having joined Hellas Verona in 20013, and the Rojinegros moved quickly to re-sign the club legend.

Speaking at his unveiling on Monday morning, Marquez revealed his desire to end his career on a high-note: " It would be quite nice to end my career with a title at Atlas. It is a dream just like going to play in Europe was a dream."

After leaving Atlas as a teenager, Marquez won league titles with AS Monaco and Barcelona -- also earning two Champions League trophies with the Catalan giants.

In addition, Marquez has scored 16 goals in 127 appearances for Mexico and has represented El Tri in four World Cups.

Known arguably as one of the best players in Mexican football history, Marquez's return certainly gives Atlas fans something to cheer about. Marquez first burst into the scene leading the Rojinegros to a Liga MX final at the age of 17 and has always kept the club close to his heart.