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Jonathan Pérez: “Chicharito has always been my idol”

The Los Angeles Galaxy recently awarded 19-year-old Jonathan Perez, a rising star in their system, with a new four-year contract extension.

Update:
 (L-R), Jesus Alcantar, Antonio Leone, Emilio Martinez, Bryan Gonzalez, Salvador Mariscal, Fidel Ambriz, Isaias Violante, Christian Torres, Jonathan Perez Mexico Players during the game Guatemala vs Mexico (Mexican National team), corresponding Quarterfinals of Concacaf Under-20 Championship Honduras 2022, at Olimpico Metropolitano Stadium, on june 29, 2022.

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(I-D),  Jesus Alcantar, Antonio Leone, Emilio Martinez, Bryan Gonzalez, Salvador Mariscal, Fidel Ambriz, Isaias Violante, Christian Torres, Jonathan Perez Jugadores de Mexico durante el partido Guatemala vs Mexico (Seleccion Nacional Mexicana), correspondiente a los Cuartos de Final del Campeonato Sub-20 de Concacaf Honduras 2022, en el Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano, el 29 de junio de 2022.
Adrian Macias

Jonathan Pérez came into the scene in the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 win over Liga MX giants Chivas in August of 2021 at SoFi stadium. The 19-year-old scored a stunner in the friendly and the Galaxy’s head coach, Greg Vanney, and team captain, Javier Hernández, praised the level of Pérez after showcasing his talent.

The Mexican-American attacker was going to earn a call up to train with the first team and possibly see some minutes during the 2022 MLS campaign, but he suffered a season-ending injury following his appearance against Chivas. Jonathan Pérez is one of the rising stars of the LA Galaxy and the club awarded him with a new four-year contract extension.

Chicharito a role model

The 19-year-old is excited for the new season to start and he is expected to have a key role in his first full year with the first team. Jonathan Pérez spoke to AS USA about this new opportunity, training alongside Javier Hernández and which country he will represent at the international level because he has played with Mexico and the United States youth team’s.

It made me feel really good hearing Chicharito talking because he is my idol. I am a Chivas fan and it was always Chicharito with Guadalajara and the national team. So hearing Chicharito saying good things about me, I don’t know how to explain it, but it was just a really good feeling because I am injured right now and that motivated me alot,” said Pérez

“The biggest advice he [Chicharito] has told me was to be patient on my opportunities. He told me to just keep working because he saw I was frustrated that I was not playing. So Chicharito told me to work hard and be patient,” added the 19-year-old.

On representing Mexico or the United States

As of right now I really don’t know. In the future my family and I will decide on where I will play. I’m open for both, Mexico or the US, but as of right now I haven’t decided yet,” said Pérez. “For both teams the environment is great and they treat me pretty well.”

Jonathan Pérez will have to make a decision soon regarding his future at the international level. The LA Galaxy product has a dual-citizenship, but he might be leaning to represent Mexico because over the last 12 months he has been a consistent starter for the under-20 team.