Despite leaving Columbus Crew SC just days ago, Hernan Grana doesn’t plan on taking much time off.
George Varga – a senior agent with the Krahling Sports Agency, Grana's exclusive representative in the United States – told MLSsoccer.com in an email on Tuesday that the Argentine fullback will likely be back on the field sooner rather than later.
“Grana thought that playing in Argentina and being close to family is his best option, so yes, he will most likely sign with a club in Argentina,” he wrote. “He is a quality player and I'm sure clubs in his native country will be looking to add him to their roster.”
Varga echoed Crew SC boss Gregg Berhalter’s comments on the situation, saying that the decision for Grana to leave the club was a mutual one. He said Grana “enjoyed being in Columbus at first,” but “things changed due to not being close to his family.”
“As confirmed by the earlier news [Tuesday] in Columbus, Hernan Grana was indeed released by Columbus Crew SC on mutual consent due to homesickness, despite playing very well,” he said. “All parties involved decided that this was the best thing to do at this time, due to family circumstances back in Argentina.”
Grana spoke multiple times about his respect for MLS while in Columbus, and echoed that sentiment one last time through his agent.
“Despite all, Grana had only positive things to say about the MLS and Columbus Crew SC,” Varga said. “He is convinced that MLS is a quality league that will continue to grow at a fast pace.”
The club was in a similar situation last summer, when they acquired former Toronto FC winger Alvaro Rey only to have the Spaniard leave for Spain, citing homesickness. In that case, Rey signed with Spanish club AD Alcorcón on the same day.
Grana might not sign with a new club with that same speed, but Varga suggested that a new club will not be far off.
“As of right now there is nothing concrete, but we hope to see him back on the pitch very soon,” Varga said.
Andrew King covers Columbus Crew SC for MLSsoccer.com.
