Forward Guillermo Franco, who represented Mexico in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, has confirmed that he is looking at the opportunity of continuing his career in MLS.
“The United States is a real alternative for my family and we are thinking about it,” he told FutbolMLS.com. “I would love to be part of their [MLS] plans to grow and reach new heights. I am attracted by the prospects.”
The 34-year-old Argentine-born Franco, who is Mexican via naturalization, has not played in the last six months since the conclusion of the World Cup. He says it’s not been for lack of offers but because he wanted to take a break from the game.
“Before finishing my contract in England [with West Ham United] the World Cup came right after and I was saying ‘one or two years more and that’s it,’” Franco said. “After this break I feel that I’m ready for four or five more years. I feel 100 percent rejuvenated and I am eager to return to play.”
Franco confirms he has initiated conversations with an agent with the goal of landing with an MLS club and he says he expects new developments in the beginning of January.
He is seeking a move that gives his family quality of life and security, which is the primary reason he says he has not returned to his old Mexican club Monterrey, where the city is struggling with drug-related crime. Franco says he also wants to try something new, and mentioned Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as other potential options.
“Cuauhtémoc Blanco spoke very highly of the American league and this is why I am interested in playing in MLS,” Franco said. “He was there for a few years, and so I have some of the best references about the league.
“When the Americans set a goal, they go after it with everything they have, and that’s why their soccer has grown and the gap with Mexico is shrinking," Franco said. "History has shown that this is the case with everything the United States does, and that’s why I would like to be part of their plans to continue to grow.”
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