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Chivas Legend Ramirez Weighs In On Clasico
Ramon Ramirez is one of Guadalajara's all-time greats, but he did spend time with America during his storied career. Ramirez said he still does not understand why he was dealt to America.
Apr 16, 2009 12:28:19 PM
Ramirez said he’s been a Chivista deep down all these years, and the Mexican derby between two of his former teams is still an important game.
After all this time, Ramirez said he has yet to understand why he was transferred to Chivas’ rival. He played one superclasico with las Aguilas, a game America lost 1-0.
“You can’t compare the accomplishments that I had with Guadalajara, the years I played. It wasn’t the same with my stint through America. To this day I don’t understand what they were trying to do with me when they took me to America," Ramirez said. "It wasn’t easy to change from one shirt to another especially when you absolutely identify with one team. A lot of people talk about me during my time at America as if I had done many things. I was only there for 6 months!”
Ramirez noted several differences between the teams, primarily that Chivas is closer to its people. However, he had a hard time deciding which is a bigger team, due to the fact that both have large followings around the country.
“It’s very hard. If I go through this by emotions I’d say Chivas," Ramirez said. "Both teams have many fans around and outside of Mexico. Both teams are popular. Both have gained popularity in different ways. Guadalajara over their history has had a popular pull. Maybe it’s the fact that they have 11 Mexican players. They have the commitment of talented youth players playing at all levels.”
Chivas have long been known as el equipo del pueblo, the people's team, and Ramirez said there is an element of truth to that.
“Guadalajara has always looked to play with Mexicans, go into the town, be a simple team, and more humble. At America, it’s the complete opposite," Ramirez said. "America on the contrary always functioned as a powerful team. They always had the ability to form whatever squad they wanted and go over everything. It was more the boardroom policies that changed. ”
However, Ramirez does not think down on either of his former employers.
“I don’t have a bad memory of either (team),” he said.
Andrea Martinez, Goal.com
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