Blanco exit may be delayed
By Jeff Tobin • Nov 20th, 2009 • Category: Also Noted
With Cuathemoc Blanco’s announcement to join Veracruz of Mexico in the 2010 season, soccer fans in the U.S. may have cried in sadness or joy, depending on their club and country affiliation. However, the polarizing Mexican international may not have played his last game in a gut-wrenching defeat to Real Salt Lake in the playoffs on Nov. 14.
“There is an option in his contract for him to come back once Veracruz’s season is over to return to the Fire,” said Technical Director Frank Klopas. “We will wait and see how his season and how the World Cup goes for him.”
The situation, to Klopas, parallels another MLS superstar who is equally as polarizing to the soccer world: David Beckham.
The one goal in his (Blanco’s) mind was for him to find the best preparation available for him to play in the World Cup. He is a big part of that team and helped them qualify. A big part of him, after our season was over, was to put himself in a position like Beckham to train every day for the World Cup.”
Without going to another team, Blanco would have been idle for about three months. With this being his last chance at a World Cup, the move is a logical one for the Mexican icon.
“For us, we have a good relationship with them…The important thing is that there is a stipulation in his contract that enables him to return.”
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