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When Federico Higuain went down with an ACL injury during a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rapids on May 25, many feared it was the last sight of the maestro in a Crew jersey. On Monday afternoon, their suspicions were proven correct as the club announced the midfielder was out of contract and not set to rejoin the club.
Massive Report’s Patrick Murphy reports the club extended an offer to the 34-year-old playmaker to take a different role within the club, but Higuain wishes to continue with his playing career next season.
When the news surfaced of Pipa’s departure, fans took to social media to express their appreciation for his eight years of service to the club utilizing #ThankYouPipa.
I own a number of jerseys. But my Pipa crew jersey is the one where I have the name and number of the player on the back. Watching him during the highs and lows of the past few years of crew fandom has been a treat. #ThankYouPipa https://t.co/j0c0STdEjv
— Ned Young (@nedyoung) October 21, 2019
I’m not that good at soccer but I always try to play like Federico. For me, a legend like no other. More than a soccer star. #thankyoupipa https://t.co/JfdwcMWJuE
— Astroheader (@Astroheader) October 21, 2019
Part of me knew this was coming but didn’t want to believe it #ThankYouPipa https://t.co/pt9kXPCbm7
— Kyle Dunn (@dunn_kyle85) October 21, 2019
Some chose to deflect their sadness with humor.
#ThankYouPipa pic.twitter.com/2F1FPbyziT
— Anthony Karcher (@TonyKarcher) October 21, 2019
Higuain was a catalyst of the Save The Crew movement and a player that fans rallied around. No matter his form on the pitch, Pipa remained a fan favorite and a player that ushered a new era for the club.
Some fans haven’t experienced Crew fandom without the playmaker on the pitch.
Much like when Gerrard retired from Liverpool, I’ve never known a Columbus Crew without Federico Higuaín. #ThankYouPipa https://t.co/XMn4u5Q4kg
— Melissa Bee (@UnderBootSoles) October 21, 2019
#ThankYouPipa my Son has never known a #crew96 without you. pic.twitter.com/mlj0waot0M
— Patrick (@patricksp71) October 21, 2019
#ThankYouPipa you were an amazing ambassador for the Crew, always gracious and kind. My son will never forget meeting you. It is what set him on his course to be the best he could be! pic.twitter.com/cBEFoT9Ik6
— Michael Mitchell (@mmitchell25) October 21, 2019
Pipa not only touched the lives fans off the pitch but was a special teammate to those he battled alongside. Former teammates such as Atlanta United midfielder Justin Meram took the time to express their gratitude for the maestro.
Times have definitely changed but the memories together playing with this guy in Cbus was class. Thanks for helping me along the way Pipa pic.twitter.com/bsE1dyj44v
— Justin Meram (@JustinMeram) October 21, 2019
It’s been a great Crew career for Federico Higuain. His tenure in black and gold spans eight season where he scored 55 goals and registered 63 assists. Pipa defines two generations in Crew history. The Argentine has seen the franchise through its darkest moments and guided it into a new and exciting future.
Gracias, Maestro.