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On Friday, we learned of Atlanta United FC's possible interest in a pair of Mexican nationals, Andres Guardado and Carlos Vela, who currently play in the Dutch Eredivisie and Spain's La Liga, respectively. The news was first reported by ESPN's John Sutcliffe. Saturday, in a follow-up report filed by the AJC, Guardado confirmed his interest in continuing his domestic career in MLS, but says that he was not aware that AUFC had its eye on him.
They are hiring more and more younger players of higher quality and that enhances the quality of the league....We will just wait and see what happens. I didn’t know about the interest, but it’s always an honor to be considered.
Despite being 29, Guardado is a key player both domestically and for his country. He currently serves as the sometimes captain of El Tri and is a stabilizing force in the midfield for PSV Eindhoven, helping them to back-to-back league titles in the Eredivisie. Last year, he was named league player of the year after PSV claimed the first of its two straight titles.
Guardado made his debut with Mexico's senior national team at just 18 (in 2005) and has been a mainstay ever since. Earlier today at the Georgia Dome, his goal against Paraguay in the 32nd minute stood up in a 1-0 win - and it might not be the last soccer he plays in Atlanta if there is anything to these recent reports.