Cruz Azul’s Lira sets out European aims amid Udinese rumours

Cruz Azul midfielder Erik Lira has spoken of his desire to test himself in European football in the near future.

In recent days, Serie A club Udinese have been heavily linked with Lira, who has won three caps for the Mexican national team.

Lira wants to make European dream a reality

“We all have the dream of playing in Europe,” the 22-year-old told an interview with the media outlet TUDN.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to fight for your dreams and I think all players want to make that leap. Right now it’s just speculation, but I want to make it a reality.”

Lira, who joined Cruz Azul from Pumas in 2021, explained that he has achieved other career objectives he had set himself before considering a move to Europe.

“To begin with, my aim was to make my debut in the Mexican top flight,” he said. “After that, I knew I had to get to 100 games. I’m 22 and I’ve passed that figure, now I can think about making the leap to Europe.

“That won’t be easy, and it doesn’t mean that’s definitely what’s going to come next. I also want my [current] team to do well and - why not? - aim for the league title.”

Lira has sought advice from Vásquez

Lira also revealed that he has tapped up Cremonese’s Mexican defender Johan Vásquez, a former club-mate at Pumas, for advice about swapping North America for the Old Continent.

“I’ve spoken a lot to Johan Vásquez,” he said. “I know him well and we get on really well. He’s told me that making the move isn’t that easy - it’s not simply a case of, ‘Now I’m ready’.

“He’s told me that the national team is an important shop window and I’m working hard to be in the national team.”