Keaton Parks leaves NYCFC after incredible but injury-plagued tenure
New York City FC was not finished with announcing roster decisions on Thursday. After announcing that Thiago Martins was leaving the club, the Queens side also announced that Keaton Parks is bidding farewell to the Boys in Blue after eight seasons.
Like Martins, this was expected. The midfielder told the media after the final home match of the regular season that he was probably going elsewhere in 2027. The fact that it has come to fruition is sad to see, as he grew up in front of NYCFC fans.
Parks initially joined on a loan deal in 2019 before he was permanently signed before the 2020 Major League Soccer season. He was a vital part of the 2021 MLS Cup-winning campaign. However, that year also began the period when he was plagued by blood clots and leg injuries. Still, when he was on the pitch, he was brilliant and made a big difference in the team's play.
Sad, but understandable, that Keaton Parks is leaving NYCFC
Sadly, NYCFC made the choice not to pick up Parks' option or even do a new contract. The team was his heart and soul. And, based on his comments after that home game and how he hugged everyone after the D.C. United game on Decision Day, emotions appeared to be running high.
This can even be seen in his statement to newyorkcityfc.com. "I want to thank New York City FC for the wonderful memories we have created together," he said. “I’m happy to have contributed to the silverware we won and play my part in bringing that highest level of satisfaction and victory to this Club. The fans were always there for me, and I hope you remember everything I’ve given to this Club. My goal was to put the team first and always give my best to support the success of the team. New York City has become my second home and I’m just happy to have been a part of it all.”
There is no question that the NYCFC star is a great player and person. However, as sad as it is that he is leaving, it is understandable why the club is letting him go. Again, Parks was plagued by injury and missed a lot of time. His consistency in missing games every season made it easy to question whether his option should be picked up. The lack of availability made him a liability.
If he did not constantly suffer from injuries, then NYCFC likely would have picked up his option. Alas, that is sports, and no matter how awesome a person is, the decision must be made based on sporting reasons.
Hopefully, Parks will find a new home and play just as well as he did with the Pigeons. Like Martins, he will be missed. NYCFC is losing a great player when he is healthy and a wonderful person. So, thank you for everything, Parks.
