Argentine may change nationality, play for Mexico in soccer World Cup
Argentine soccer player Walter Gaitan told Mexican sports daily Record on Friday, that he is willing to change nationality and play for Mexico in the soccer World Cup, after an invite from Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe.
“I love Argentina, but I have been here more time now, and I really identify more with the people of Mexico. If I have a chance to represent them, I am going to give it my best shot,” he said.
Gaitan could become the third nationalized player in Lavolpe’s squad, alongside Argentina-born Guillermo Franco and former Brazilian Sinha.
The move has drawn criticism in Mexican football circles; Raul Arias, manager of San Luis Raul Arias joked that Lavolpe should change Mexico’s national anthem to the tango. Jorge Vergara, president of Guadalajara team Chivas, famous for having no foreign-born players, said he did not agree with Lavolpe’s recruiting methods.
Critics of the policy told the press they are angry because La Volpe overlooked Mexican-born midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco and striker Adolfo Bautista, who many feel deserve a place in the squad. Blanco is often described as a volatile character, but is also regarded by many as Mexico’s best player.
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