:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52832293/usa_today_9503724.0.jpg)
Today the Cosmos announced the resigning of captain Carlos Mendes. The 36 year old will return to club and captain the Cosmos for the 2017 season. Mendes was the modern era Cosmos’ first signing and was the first player to make 100 caps for the modern-era Cosmos. Mendes has scored 4 goals for the club in 107 appearances. Mendes has won three NASL championships with the club and has featured in the NASL team of the season for the last three campaigns.
Just over four years ago Mendes became the first player to sign to the rebooted New York Cosmos #TBT pic.twitter.com/iGTjE89W5Q
— New York Cosmos (@NYCosmos) January 19, 2017
In the club’s official press statement Mendes has said the following:
Mendes may not be the only key player returning. According to Empire of Soccer, Ayoze and Jimmy Maurer may also be returning. However, they are also in talks with Major League Soccer sides, so nothing is guaranteed.
Jimmy Maurer has spent the offseason training with NYCFC keeper Sean Johnson. Hopefully the friends will become crosstown rivals in the upcoming season. It would be huge if the Cosmos could retain the talents of Mendes, Maurer and Ayoze. Building the new team around these established stars would be amazing for the fans.
Absolutely! Great sessions as always. Hope everyone tears it up this year. https://t.co/XsJK0twE9M
— Jimmy (@JimsMaurer) January 19, 2017
I honestly cannot imagine a #NYCosmos team without Ayoze, Mendes & Maurer. #NASL
— GS7 (@GS7_89) January 18, 2017