by DAVE MARTINEZ

Yes, Walter Restrepo is exploring the free agent market. Yes, teams in MLS, NASL and an unnamed South American club are all interested in his services.

But did Restrepo “reject” the New York Cosmos’ option year to move on to free agency?

Not according to team manager and Sporting Director, Giovanni Savarese.

The New York Cosmos boss spoke to EoS to clarify the situation surrounding Walter Restrepo’s contract.

“The option is a club option,” Savarese said. “He doesn’t have the power to say he is not returning.”

But while the Cosmos have the power to restrict Restrepo’s next move, they won’t exercise that option. As Savarese explains, both the Cosmos and Restrepo are happy with their current working relationship. In fact, the amicable relationship has led the Cosmos to allow Restrepo to bypass his contractual obligations to explore bigger options on the free agent market.

If his ambitions fall short, New York are keeping the club option on the table for his return.

As Savarese puts it, there is an “understanding” between both parties that the Cosmos will not get in Restrepo’s way if he does decide to move on to greener pastures.

“We will help him reach where ever he may want to be,” Savarese said. “We have never got in the way of players careers in the past and won’t begin to now.

“We care about him. And we want to help him out in any way we possibly can.”