Jose Goncalves is noncommittal on returning to the New England Revolution in 2017. Photo/Kari Heisted
Sunday’s 3-0 victory over the Montreal Impact in the 2016 season finale may have been Jose Goncalves’ last game in a New England Revolution jersey.
The Portuguese defender was the first player to address the media after the game at Gillette Stadium and was noncommittal on his future with the club.
“Questions about the game, alright?” Goncalves said with a smirk as media members approached.
Brian O’Connell of ESPN Boston and NESoccerToday.com asked Goncalves if he’d be back next season.
“No answer, nice try,” Goncalves said.
“Do you want to come back?” was the next question, and immediately Goncalves replied, “no answer.”
Jose Goncalves noncommittal on 2017 #NERevs return #MLS
— Julian Cardillo (@JulianCardillo) October 23, 2016
Goncalves arrived in New England before the start of the 2013 season, on loan from Switzerland’s FC Sion.
He was permanently signed at the conclusion of the 2013 season after he won the league’s Defender of the Year Award. Goncalves also helped the club reach the playoffs three times and the 2014 MLS Cup final.
That said, Goncalves’ time in New England wasn’t always roses. Prior to the 2014 season, a rift emerged between him and the club’s front office. Though nothing was ever said publicly about the matter, the problem was allegedly tied to Goncalves’ dissatisfaction with his salary.
Losing Goncalves would provide the Revolution with significant salary cap relief and open up one designated player slot.
Revolution coach Jay Heaps and his staff have plenty to do to replace Goncalves if necessary and add more depth to the back line, which underperformed for most of the season.
“Just getting better,’’ Heaps said of the team’s off-season plans. “Solidify some spots on the field. We want to be better and we can’t concede as much as we conceded. We have to stop giving away goals.”
Follow Julian on Twitter @juliancardillo
