Born in Canada, Marcelo Flores, who plays for Arsenal’s team under the age of 23, says he wants to play internationally in Mexico.
Born in Canada, Marcelo Flores, who plays for Arsenal’s team under the age of 23, says he wants to play internationally in Mexico.
Canada wanted to secure the services of an 18-year-old offensive midfielder who is also qualified to represent England.
Flores was born in Georgetown, Ontario, to a Canadian mother and a Mexican father. He first moved to England six years ago and is now considered an up-and-coming star in the Arsenal system, scoring five goals in 11 games against the London Club’s team under the age of 23.
“Despite my ability to represent several countries, I have always been part of the Mexico national team system,” Flores said in a social media post. “That’s where I feel most comfortable.”
“Today I feel the need to speak from the bottom of my heart and tell you that it’s important that you hear directly from me, and that you know it’s true for a while,” he added. “I will wholeheartedly represent Mexico during my future professional life.”
His declaration facilitated a reaction on the official Twitter feed of the Mexican team.
“And Mexico always welcomes you. Marcelo, I’m happy to continue this journey with you,” he said.
A youth international in Mexico, he has already won two caps at the senior level. Both are friendly matches and recently drew with Guatemala on April 27th. Still, Canadian coach John Herdman wanted to choose maple leaf.
After a Canadian man beat the United States 2-0 in the World Cup qualifiers in Hamilton in January, Hardman quoted Flores in post-match availability.
“I’m sure a player like young Marcelo Flores (he) is taking care of this match and may be wondering if he wants to play in Mexico or Canada,” Hardman said. Said at that time. It is starting to provoke all over the world. And these dual passport players are watching where they pledge their international future. All of this is important to our success. “
Heldman had previously tried to take Flores to a Canadian camp, but was dissatisfied with pandemic-related restrictions and included teenagers in his 60-person list of reserves for the Gold Cup last summer.
Herdman has succeeded in convincing players with international choices to choose Canada, such as Stephen Eustaquio, Scott Arfield, Steven Vitoria, Junior Hoilett, David Wotherspoon and Ike Ugbo.
Flores’ sister Silvana is currently rented to Ipswich Town from Tottenham in the FA Women’s Super League. Sylvana and her sister Tatiana represented Mexico at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
In his social media post, Marcelo Flores also warmly talked about England and Canada.
“I was born and raised in Canada,” he writes. “All my childhood memories are full of happy moments when I put the ball under my feet. My mother is Canadian. It was she who taught me to love Canadian culture. Canada is where I play football. It’s a place I fell in love with. I’m always connected with that beautiful country. Thank you, Canada. “
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 16, 202.
Canadian news agency Neil Davidson
