By FRANCO PANIZO
Carlos Vela has not yet provided any real answers as to why he has turned down Mexico repeatedly and will not be with them at the World Cup this summer.
He did, however, recently shed some light as to why he has continuously spurned his birth nation and his reasoning is not all that surprising.
Speaking to Spanish outlet Canal Plus in a wide-ranging interview, Vela scratched the surface of one of the hottest stories in North American soccer these days by stating that he does not like what he has seen from Mexico in recent years. The 24-year-old forward did not elaborate as to why or explain whether his distaste was with the Mexican federation or the team itself, but Vela made it clear that things have gone on behind the scenes that have resulted in the discord.
“It’s a complicated topic to talk about it,” said the in-form Vela, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions for Real Sociedad this season. “In the end, a lot of things have happened and it’s a decision that’s been made for some years now. I think 2011 was the last time I played for Mexico.
“If I see something I don’t like, I prefer not to be a part of it and say, ‘I’m leaving. I wish you the best, good luck and I’ll support you all the way, but I don’t want to be there.'”
Vela has been scrutinized plenty by the Mexican media for not appearing for El Tri since playing in a pair of friendlies in March 2011, but he does not believe that the harsh criticism of his character is warranted simply because he does not wish to play internationally at this time.
“It’s about respecting myself and not look for negatives and say I’m a traitor to my country, because one thing does not have anything to do with the other,” said Vela. “The important thing is to do thing something you’re convinced of and say that, ‘In this moment, I did the right thing.'”
Vela also provided a glimpse into his feelings towards soccer in general, feelings that are positive but not as passionate as other players around the world.
“I enjoy playing, but as soon as the game is over, soccer is over for me,” said Vela. “We could talk about anything afterwards but not soccer, because I don’t feel comfortable and I don’t like to.”
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What do you make of Vela’s comments? Do you see this marriage as reconcilable? How badly will Mexico miss Vela this summer at the World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.