It’s been more than a week since Chivas USA midfielder Eric Avila left for Mexico with parent club Chivas Guadalajara, but an official announcement on his status has yet to be made by either side as Guadalajara manager Benjamín Galindo assembles his roster ahead of the Liga MX's Apertura season.
But Avila appears to have given up any potential future USMNT call-ups in order to continue his career at CD Guadalajara, according to the manager.
“He’s already resigned [from the US national team],” Galindo said during a Friday press conference in Guadalajara. “Being in Guadalajara, he’s not going to be called up to the national team; what he really wants to do is play for Guadalajara.”
The San Diego native – who represented the US at various youth levels – has been training in Guadalajara with “Mexican-only” Chivas since June 18, but his presence has led to debate in Guadalajara about whether it would breach club rules for him to sign.
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The club was clear in specifying in a Nov. 7, 2012, press release that only players who choose the Mexican national team can feature for the club.
Addressing the debate, Galindo spoke out about the situation, in a tone that suggested the 25-year-old Avila will stay in Guadalajara and will not be available for any future US national team call-up.
Although there has not yet been any official statement from CD Guadalajara, Galindo told reporters after last week’s friendly between Chivas and Chivas USA in Carson, Calif., that there was a “99 percent” chance he would sign for the Liga MX outfit.
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The manager also admitted that he has followed Avila’s progress for some time.
“He catches the eye because he’s a fast and skillful player,” said Galindo. “He has to adapt quickly to try and win a place.”
Despite the glowing remarks, Avila, who is on trial, could return to Chivas USA sometime in the next three weeks, a spokesperson for the MLS club confirmed to MLSsoccer.com on Monday.
“He's going to remain in Guadalajara through the end of the preseason, which ends July 19 when the first game kicks off,” the Chivas USA rep said. “There's still a possibility he can return to Chivas USA before then, but we won't know until Galindo makes a decision."
Avila had a goal and two assists for Chivas USA this season, ranking third on the squad with 11 shots while playing in all 13 games. He was acquired from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Nick LaBrocca in January.
