Mikel Arteta has backed Arsenal starlet Marcelo Flores to make the “right decision” over whether to play for Mexico or Canada at the 2022 World Cup.
Flores initially joined Arsenal’s academy ranks in 2019, and represented Mexico for the first time at youth stage in the identical yr.
The gifted younger midfielder has since worked his way into Mexico’s senior squad, and made his worldwide debut in a pleasant in opposition to Chile final December, however he’s additionally eligible to play for Canada – his nation of delivery – and England.
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What’s been mentioned?
All three nations have certified for the World Cup in Qatar, which kicks off in November, and Flores nonetheless has freedom over who to symbolize till he has performed a complete of three senior matches for one nation.
Flores isn’t anticipated to choose England, however it has been urged that there’s an outdoor probability he’ll choose for Canada, regardless of having already caught the eye of Mexico boss Gerardo Martino.
Arteta has now weighed in on the dilemma the 18-year-old is going through, expressing his confidence that he’ll select correctly.
“This is not my decision! Whatever I think, it doesn’t really matter,” the Arsenal supervisor mentioned throughout his newest press convention.
“He needs to feel it himself and I’m sure he will make the right decision because it will come from his heart.”
Flores takes huge step ahead in 2021-22
Flores’ maiden call-up for Mexico was a reward for his stellar performances for Arsenal’s U23s this season.
The teenager has recorded three targets and one help in eight Premier League 2 outings, and has additionally been invited to practice with Arteta’s first crew.
Flores impressed sufficient to earn a spot on the Spaniard’s bench away at Crystal Palace on April 4, however has now returned to the U23s setup.
“It was great to have him around,” Arteta mentioned of the impression he made. “We had the probability to deliver him in the squad, he’s been coaching with us frequently by way of the season.
“I think he’s developing really, really well, he’s doing well with the Under-23s and it’s great to see them closely and for them to start to have some good experiences on matchday with the first team, because it’s how they start to understand what it takes to be a professional player, the pressure around it and start to live those moments, it’s key.”
