Football
ESPN staff 8y

Andres Guardado could play Copa America, Olympics - Mexico's Cantu

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Andres Guardado is still under consideration as one of the three over-23 players for Mexico's Olympic team this summer, Mexico federation general secretary Guillermo Cantu said.

The Mexico captain was included in the initial 40-man squad for next month's Copa America, and because PSV will automatically be in the Champions League group stage, they are likely to allow him to play in both summer tournaments -- the Copa America and the Olympics.

Guardado himself had indicated last month that he would prefer to play at Copa America, according to recent reports. But Cantu confirmed on Monday that the federation wants a leader like Guardado as El Tri defends its Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro in August. 

"It is something that we have discussed. Andres has shown interest and we have already talked about some of this subject with his club in Europe," Cantu told ESPN Deportes. "But now we must wait a few days for a Copa America list to be determined so that we can finish rounding out which under-23 players will make the [Copa America] cut and then we will discuss that same preparation for finalizing the Olympic team."

The Olympics are primarily an under-23 tournament in men's football, though teams can elect up to three players over the age limit. Cantu said he was pleased that there were overage players willing to assume leadership for the Olympic gold defense.

"Fortunately, some of our top players have shown a willingness to play in both tournaments, the Copa America and the Olympics," Cantu said. "It is really important that we have leadership at the level of players such at Rafa [Marquez], Andres [Guardado] and Raul [Jimenez].

"It is very important that they have the desire to play -- in addition to the preparation. Their preparation is not just physical, sporting and mental, they also have to have the leadership to transmit that to each one of the young players," he said. "I like that because at the end of the day the Olympics are a sort of way for our young players to graduate, especially those who have the dream of representing Mexico."

PSV Eindhoven retained the Eredivisie title, their 23rd, after a dramatic final day with a 3-1 away win over PEC Zwolle.

Mexico international Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez recently announced his decision to opt for Copa America play over the Olympics. 

Cantu also said the federation will soon discuss the options for Porto forward Jesus Corona to play in both tournaments.

"That is something that is on the horizon. We have spoken with Porto and we understand their position, but we must wait now," he said. "Porto will be playing in their Cup final, they have one week left in their season. We have all that time to continue to discuss this with the club."

^ Back to Top ^