Chicago (USA), Apr 8 (EFE).- Mexican defender Alonso Aceves enjoys American MLS soccer at the Chicago Fire. It is a new step in his goal of reaching the elite of Europe and the Mexican team. In an interview with EFE at Soldier Field in Chicago, Aceves expresses his gratitude to Pachuca and Real Oviedo because each one of them taught him “his football.”
At 21 years old, Aceves (Huixquilucan, Mexico, March 28, 2001) has already accumulated experience in Mexican soccer and in the Spanish second division at a historic club like Real Oviedo. He grew up with Rafa Márquez and Carlos Salcido as idols and dreams of following in his footsteps, both in Europe and in the 2027 World Cup, which he began to think about right after the World Cup in Qatar.
Question: What made you choose the Chicago Fire and MLS?
Answer: I am very happy to come to this club, one sees it by the facilities and the way of working. Any player would like to come here.
In Mexico as in Spain I have learned a lot. Each one has taught me their football. MLS is on the right track, the club too, it’s a good setting for them to see you and to return to Europe.
Q: You have your compatriot Jairo Torres and you share the dressing room with a veteran like the Swiss Xherdan Shaqiri. How did they receive you?
A: The colleagues received me very well. He is a very good dressing room, both on and off the court. I have felt at home. Figures like Shaqiri, one learns. You don’t even need to ask. It is enough to see how he trains.
Q: How is your adaptation to the United States going?
A: In the end, moving from city to city is stressful, but in the end you arrive here and see a beautiful city, it helps. On a sporting level, wow. It gives you calm and patience to face what one has to do.
Q: You are clear that your future is in Europe.
A: You always want the best, my expectations are in European football. It is the best level in the world and what better than to compete there.
Q: He is a versatile player, he can play central and full-back. Who are you inspired by?
A: Rafa Márquez, Carlos Salcido are players who had an excellent career and are to be admired. The simple fact of going to Europe is a great challenge. Not everyone can do it. It’s nice to have them as idols.
Q: What lessons do you take from Pachuca?
A: Pachuca is a training club. They like to train both on a footballing and personal level, that’s what a respectable institution does. All the attention given to the player since he was a child responds to the expectations in the best way.
Q: In three years Mexico will be one of the World Cup venues. Do you see yourself playing it with El Tri?
A: As soon as the World Cup ended, the mentality is to be present, what better than to represent your country in a World Cup at home. It is a tournament in which not everyone can say that they have participated.
Q: MLS and LigaMX are promoting their collaboration with the new Leagues Cup. What do you think of this project?
A: It’s a good parameter for MLS teams to see where they are. You can see it with the Concacaf Champions League, Seattle won. It is a good way to show that there is level here.
Andrea Montolivo