HARRISON, N.J. (January 25, 2016) – The New York Red Bulls have signed midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips to an MLS contract and signed new multi-year contracts for midfielders Mike Grella and Sal Zizzo, and goalkeeper Luis Robles, the club announced today.
The club also released goalkeeper Santiago Castano.
Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deals were not disclosed.
“We are happy to bring Shaun back and to sign three of our key core players to new multi-year contracts,” said Sporting Director Ali Curtis.
Wright-Phillips re-signs with New York after not having his option picked up at the end of last season. Shaun is the brother of Red Bulls’ striker Bradley Wright-Phillips. The two reunited with the Red Bulls for the first time since playing together for Manchester City in 2004. A native of London, England, Shaun Wright-Phillips appeared in 12 games for New York in 2015 after signing in July, scoring one goal and one assist. He previously spent time with Queens Park Rangers (2011-15), Manchester City (1999-05, 2008-11) and Chelsea (2005-08) in the Premier League.
He totaled 36 caps and six goals with England’s national team from 2004-10 and was on England’s final 23-man roster in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He appeared in England’s first two games in the 2010 FIFA World Cup against the United States and Algeria.
Robles was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year after setting new club marks for single-season wins, career wins and career shutouts. Robles recorded all 18 of New York’s league wins in 2016, more than any other goalkeeper in 2016, and extended his iron man streak to 106 consecutive league starts and full 90 minutes played for the Red Bulls, the second-longest such streak in league history.
Robles was also named the goalkeeper for the MLS Best XI. He became the club’s all-time shutouts leader in August with back-to-back shutout wins over New York City FC and Toronto FC. He became the franchise’s all-time wins leader on October 18, earning his 49th career win for New York in a 4-1 win over Philadelphia. Robles finished the year with 50 career regular season wins and 28 shutouts for New York.
He is currently with the United States Men’s National Team for January camp in Carson, Calif.
Grella, a Long Island native, signed with the Red Bulls ahead of 2015 after a preseason trial. Grella appeared in 33 of the 34 regular season games, recording nine goals, third most on the club, and seven assists, fourth most among all Red Bulls.
Grella signed with Leeds United in 2009 and spent time with several European clubs before returning to the U.S. and signing with the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL in 2014.
Zizzo was acquired by New York prior to the 2015 season from New York City FC, in a deal that sent goalkeeper Ryan Meara to NYC FC on season-long loan. Zizzo appeared in 22 games for the Red Bulls, starting 10 and adding two assists. He began the season as a winger and transitioned to right back after starter Chris Duvall was lost to injury.
Zizzo, drafted by Chivas USA in 2010, spent time with Portland and Sporting Kansas City before landing in New York.
The Red Bulls open the 2016 MLS regular season on Sunday, March 6, when Toronto FC visits Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. ET.
