1/11/2012: Renteria To Play In Copa Libertadores, As Well As Internationally, To Return In Top Form For Columbus
By Ryan Kozlowski
Crewture.com

Crew striker Emilio Renteria, beloved by the Nordecke, is determined to re-negotiate with the Crew and return in top form for the 2012 season.

Out of contract since December 30th, both the Crew and Renteria appear to want a new contract in place for the deer. But, despite intentions to rejoin the Crew; there is the possibility of Renteria joining his previous club, Caracas F.C., temporarily for Copa Libertadores to get in top form for the Columbus Crew's MLS debut on March 24th:

"There is the possibility of playing two months in Caracas until the MLS starts," admitted El Venado to FutbolMLS.com . And although he joined the practice of his former team before joining the MLS, Renteria said, "It's just a way of thanks because I played two years here and I have great affection. I trained with them to stay and get well for Columbus. To play and that there is nothing settled yet. "

Renteria's motivation of joining Caracas temporarily for Copa Liberatdores (and perhaps why the Crew will not have a problem with the move) is that it's better competition for Renteria compared to MLS's preseason; Therefore, perhaps as Landon Donovan came into the Galaxy's season in top form after playing with Everton, Renteria can show up in top form for the Crew after a few months in Copa Liberatdores.

Renteria has changed his tune as of late, perhaps because of strong contact and negotiations with Columbus recently, as on December 21st he seemed a bit more uncertain of his future:

Renteria, will end his contract with the American club on December 30 this year. On short-term plans in his career as a professional footballer, said: "Yes, but I want to stay abroad, among the possibilities is the return to Caracas FC, they are part of my family and my agent is looking at some deals."

But, it appears from the January 5th MLS Futbol article that Emilio Renteria is content and happy with a Columbus return. In fact, that he is working on a new three year deal with Columbus:

Next to perform three seasons with the Crew, The Deer Renteria at the time expressed that his goals are straightforward: "I want to get well physically at Columbus Crew because my idea is to be top scorer of the season and together with my colleagues to take the team as far in the championship and become champion."

Renteria is also very happy with the inclusion of Milovan Mirosevic in the Crew side. Being set up by the Chilean national teamer, has the Venezeulan national player estatic for the 2012 season:

"Really, very happy! Good luck and welcome to the Columbus Crew with a big hug. I saw his games and is almost the same set of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, has very good ball handling and it's nice to come a player of his caliber to Columbus."

When asked what was the biggest difference of adding Mirosevic:

"The quality of course. For me, much better."

Therefore, the inclusion of Mirosevic may have helped Renteria want to be back with the Crew for the long term. If the Crew signs a designated player Renteria may have even more talent to set him up from the midfield in 2012.

Renteria has also been selected for the Venezuelan national teams games against the United States (January 21st) and Mexico (on January 25th), excited to see how Renteria plays in those games. Appears to be getting a lot more opportunities from Venezuelan manager Cesar Farias as of late.

Glad to have Renteria back in the fold, or nearly back in the fold, a player that the Nordecke and all Crew fans appear to like because of his hustle and effort.