Pros

Franchino Takes Indefinite Leave of Absence
March 27, 2007


The Revolution issued the following statement on Tuesday afternoon:

Joe Franchino (Photo by Chris Aduama)

'New England Revolution midfielder/defender Joe Franchino has been granted an indefinite leave of absence from the team to attend to personal matters. He left the team while the squad was training in New Orleans.

'This is the only statement the team will issue regarding this matter.'

Franchino was not involved in the Revolution’s 3-1 win over CD Olimpia on Sunday, despite not being listed on the team’s injury list. The 30-year-old recently relinquished the captaincy, explaining to Steve Nicol that he wished to focus on playing.

“Joey wanted to concentrate on playing,” said Nicol last week. “Joey has been a great captain, both for the team and for me, over the last five years. He just felt it was time that he had to concentrate on what is going on on the field. I think he feels that is what he has to concentrate on.”

Last Wednesday, Franchino was reported to have been questioned by Foxborough police over an issue regarding expired license plates on his car. No criminal charges were brought over the matter.