Arsenal academy star Marcelo Flores has confirmed his international allegiance to Mexico, turning down the opportunity to play for England or Canada.
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Without making his full debut for the Gunners, the 18-year-old impressed enough on reserve teams to earn a spot on Mikel Arteta’s bench earlier in the season, and he already has two caps for the Mexican national team after several appearances in his youth sides.
The player was born in Canada and is also eligible to play for England through his mother, and was contacted by the Three Lions about a possible call-up to their Under-16 team early in his career.
On Monday, he published a lengthy statement to confirm his loyalty to the country of his father, former soccer player Rubén.
He wrote, “Existing as I do, being from a multicultural background that identifies with several different countries, I feel like it’s normal to question your identity and sometimes even doubt your own origin.
“Canada and England are part of me, they have made me who I am. I can’t lie, this has not been an easy process.
“I love Mexico. My father instilled this passion in me from a very young age and I was lucky enough to visit Mexico every year during my childhood.
“I have always been part of the Mexican team system. It is where I feel most comfortable. It’s where my sisters and I feel most at home, even when ‘home’ is thousands of miles away.”
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