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FMF Exec Bemoans Jonathan Dos Santos' Lack Of Interest In Mexico
Jonathan Dos Santos was not called into Mexico's roster for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Colombia in part because of his lack of interest in representing his country.
Aug 26, 2010 8:55:00 AM
Jonathan Dos Santos is not one of them.
Dos Santos did not appear on the list nor will he play any role on the squad in the next few weeks. But Mexican Football Federation officials said it was not for a lack of trying.
"We looked for Jonathan. We could not speak directly to him. I was put in touch with his agent and they reiterated his interest to stay with Barcelona," FMF executive Nestor De La Torre told Mexican daily Record.
Dos Santos was called up for Mexico's Aug. 11 friendly against Spain but asked out of the squad. After speaking with the player's agent, De La Torre apparently drew at least one conclusion - Jona has a clear lack of interest in the national team.
"We've said on numerous occasions that the first thing a player should have in order to be called up to the Mexican national team is the desire, the pride, the responsibility of representing us," De La Torre said. "If that's not present, he won't be called up."
While Dos Santos' interest in fighting for a spot on a club like Barcelona might seem like a reasonable excuse, there are other players in his position, De La Torre pointed out. For instance, Efrain Juarez (Celtic), Pablo Barrera (West Ham) and Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) are all battling for playing time and trying to make a name for themselves.
"There are other players who are also there, trying to fight for their place in Europe and that requires some strength," he said. "But they are here. Like any decision it carries both its benefits and responsibilities but it also has consequences. Those are the facts, and the facts are taken into consideration in the future."
While qualifying for Brazil 2014 is still nearly two years away, the long process towards that World Cup and even the following one is underway. By choosing not to play with the squad, De La Torre said Dos Santos is missing out on some invaluable experience.
"The list has a bit of consistency, to start thinking about players who could be around for 2014 and 2018, both medium and long term," De La Torre said. "This young group is being put together with some players who are iconic in Mexican soccer, who because of their experience and quality pass a lot of things on to the young players."
For more coverage of Mexican football, visit Goal.com's Mexico page and click here to follow the Goal.com Twitter feed!
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