MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM
Mexico defender Jorge Sánchez discusses why he didn’t sign for Liga MX club Cruz Azul in January
The former Club América full-back hasn’t played for Porto much recently and didn’t feature in the Champions League win over Arsenal.
Jorge Sánchez was strongly linked with a move back to Liga MX with Cruz Azul in the January transfer window, but the Mexico national team defender ultimately stayed at Porto, with whom he is on loan from Dutch giants Ajax. In an interview with TNT Sports ahead of the Portuguese club’s Champions League round of 16 match against Arsenal, which they won 1-0, Sánchez was asked about why his move to La Máquina didn’t materialise.
Former América defender “calm” about lack of game time with Porto
“I don’t know, my agent was the one who was dealing with everything, so I’m really calm about the situation. I just need to work hard and focus on what I’m doing. If something comes along, I’ll keep giving my all. I’ll be absolutely fine here for the months that I left, I have to play games, and if not, I also have to see what my best options are. So right now, I’m focused on giving it 100% and God will decide whatever comes next. I feel good about it all”.
The former América full-back also spoke about how little game time he had seen in recent times in Porto.
“I don’t know. I am working very hard every day, working really hard. But I’m up against good and competitive players for a place in the team, and that’s important, that’s the best way. It helps me grow as a player and I help my teammates grow too because I’m pushing them. It’s healthy competition. I’m calm, though, I’m happy, enjoying every moment and waiting for opportunities. If they don’t come, I’ll keep doing what I have to do, which I’m really enjoying.”
Sánchez’s message to Mexico fans
Finally, the Sánchez had a message for Mexican fans. “All of us who come to Europe try to put Mexico in the spotlight. Sometimes it’s very complicated, we go through many very difficult moments, but we want them to feel proud of us trying to do our best. In some cases it comes off, in others it doesn’t, but we keep working really hard. That’s what being Mexican is about. We’ll always try hard despite the difficulties. I have had some great moments in my career in which I have won trophies, but also some tough times, but I have never given up. On the contrary, I think I am an example for many players and many people; despite the difficulties, I keep growing as a soccer player and learning, which is the most important thing for me”.