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This is the story on Friday June 30, 2006

AU REVOIR : Youri Djorkaeff excused from NYRed Bulls for personal reasons

Youri Djorkaeff has been excused from the New York Red Bulls for personal reasons, according to Red Bull New York and will miss at least the next two games, But he is very unhappy with the state of organization, according to a source.

Red Bull New York issued a statement in the late afternoon that said: "Youri Djorkaeff has been excused from the team for personal reasons. Red Bulls Interim head coach Richie Williams is in touch with Youri, and right now there is no timetable on his return."

Djorkaeff returned to France to tend to a family illness, but is tentatively scheduled to return in time for the Red Bulls game against Dallas, according to sources. However, it is no secret that Djorkaeff is frustrated with the organization, even before the new ownership came aboard.

Djorkaeff was voted MetroStars MVP a year ago, scoring 10 goals and dishing out seven assists in 24 games. After an embarassing loss to D.C. United at home, a loss that would eventually cost Bob Bradley his job as head coach, Djorkaeff decided to call it quits. However he was talked back by Bradley.

Djorkaeff decided to return after Mo Johnston was named full-time head coach. But since the club's purchase by Red Bull, there are several reasons why Djorkaeff is unhappy. And it has affected his play.

He scored on a brilliant free kick against D.C. United on Opening Day but has one goal and three assists since.

Djorkaeff, 38, has clearly been frustrated by his team?s play throughout the season, declining to speak to reporters on several occasions, including after Wednesday?s scoreless draw with Columbus.

In March, Djorkaeff said he would retire at the end of this, his 22nd season. But he then quickly retracted that statement.

?I?m sure,? he said at the Red Bulls? Media Day. ?No, no I?m not sure?The French [are] never sure.?

He then explained why he might retire.

?Because I?m 38,? he said. ?I?m sure one day my passion will be less than today. I?m sure I?ll find less pleasure going to the training. I would prefer to stop when I?m still happy, still a good job and still enjoy playing soccer.?

The Red Bulls are now down two attacking players for Saturday?s game at New England as Jean Philippe Peguero will be serving the first of a two-game suspension for striking Columbus? Marcos Gonzalez in the 21st minute of Wednesday?s game.

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This is the story today July 1, 2006 after Youri Djorkaeff has been spotted on Television attending World Cup match between France and Brazil

FINI : Djorkaeff attends France match, will not be back to Red Bulls: Source

July 1, 2006

FOXBORO, MASS. -- A day after asking Red Bull New York for a leave of absence to attend to a family illness, Youri Djorkaeff was in the stands at Frankfurt, cheering on his former French teammates in their 1-0 win over Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Don't expect to see the French World Cup champion back with the Red Bulls.

"It's over for Youri," a source told BigAppleSoccer.com

The red-faced Red Bulls issued a statement before their game against New England regarding Djorkaeff's situation.

"At no point did Youri state that part of his trip was to attend the World Cup game between France and Brazil in Frankfurt, Germany or that he had any ill-feeling towards the organization. We will be addressing the situation with Youri as soon as possible.?

Djorkaeff was voted MetroStars MVP a year ago, scoring 10 goals and dishing out seven assists in 24 games. But this year Djorkaeff, 38, hasn?t played to that same level. He scored on a brilliant free kick against D.C. United on Opening Day but has one goal and three assists since.

Djorkaeff has clearly been frustrated by his team?s play throughout the season, declining to speak to reporters on several occasions, including after Wednesday?s scoreless draw with Columbus.

In March, Djorkaeff said he would retire at the end of this, his 22nd season. But he then quickly retracted that statement.

?I?m sure,? he said at the Red Bulls? Media Day. ?No, no I?m not sure?The French [are] never sure.?

He then explained why he might retire.

?Because I?m 38,? he said. ?I?m sure one day my passion will be less than today. I?m sure I?ll find less pleasure going to the training. I would prefer to stop when I?m still happy, still a good job and still enjoy playing soccer.?