Juan Pablo Angel’s New York exit had gone from expected and assume to forgone conclusion and fait accompli. Today it moved on to fact, with the Red Bull captain confirming that he will not be back with the team next season.

“I know that I won’t be a part of this team next year,” Ángel told MLSsoccer.com. “For a fact.”

Last month the Post reported that the 34-year-old forward felt it was “very likely” that he would not be back with the Red Bulls next season, and that he admitted he had just “the rest of the year to play” in New York.

Two days ago, while doing ESPN work for the United States vs. Colombia friendly tilt on Tuesday, Angel was asked by Alexi Lalas if he would return to New York next season. At that point the Colombian forward admitted “I probably won’t.”

Today he took all question out of the equation.

What do you think of the news? Had you been holding out hope? Who would you like to see the Red Bulls bring in as a Designated Player to replace him? Holla at us…