ARLINGTON, Texas – Even with another impressive goal for his country on Sunday afternoon, Giovani dos Santos’ club situation remains hazy.
But in speaking to the media after Mexico’s 2-0 win over Brazil at Cowboys Stadium, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder suppressed any suggestions of a move stateside.
“I’ve said that it’s not one of my priorities to come to MLS or go to the Mexican league,” dos Santos told reporters after Sunday’s final friendly for El Tri before World Cup qualifying resumes. “I want to continue in Europe. [MLS] has grown a lot, but at the moment, it’s not something that I have interest in.”
Dos Santos has been a huge star for his national team over the past 12 months, and contributed a fabulous golazo against Brazil on Sunday in the 22nd minute, a smooth chip from a tight angle that sailed past the outstretched fingers of Brazil 'keeper Rafael.
But Giovani's club status is far more up in the air. His time on the pitch with Tottenham has been scarce since arriving in 2008 from Barcelona – he’s been loaned out to three separate clubs in each of three seasons since – and many have called for the playmaker to make a move where he could find more playing time.
However, the 23-year-old remains content in Europe, where he moved as a child to play in the Barcelona youth system.
“I’ve been living over there for more than 10 years and that’s where I grew up,” he said. “It’s comfortable and easy for me.”
Next up for the Giovani and the Mexican national team is their opener in CONCACAF’s semifinal round of World Cup qualifying on Friday against Guyana in Mexico City.
And while Mexico are heavily favored to qualify for Brazil 2014, dos Santos says nothing is easy during qualifying.
“When it begins, it becomes really difficult and all of the teams step up,” he said. “We know that we have to play to our best ability and keep improving and, if we do that, we’ll put ourselves in good position to qualify.”
WATCH: De la Torre, dos Santos happy with Mexico's performance vs. Brazil
