Alejandro Zendejas leaves Mexico door open despite USMNT call up

Alejandro Zendejas has remained non-committal on his international future. The dual-national winger was recently called up to the United States men’s national team for their training camp this month. Zendejas is eligible to play for Mexico, as well.

“I’ll probably focus on the future once we get to that standpoint,” Zendejas told reporters during a news conference on Tuesday. “I’m enjoying the moment. I’m enjoying the present. I’d rather live day-by-day. Once the moment comes to choose, or the future, I’ll decide on that later.”

Alejandro Zendejas ‘enjoying the moment’ with USMNT

Despite the call up, Zendejas can still make a one-time switch back to Mexico. The 24-year-old Club America player has represented both the U.S. and Mexico at youth levels. He also previously played for the Mexico senior team for two friendlies in 2021 and 2022. However, El Tri was sanctioned by FIFA for not filing an official switch of association with the world’s governing body of the sport.

Mexican club allowing Zendejas to report to camp

Interim USMNT head coach Anthony Hudson also fielded questions on Alejandro Zendejas during the press conference. The coach was grateful that Club America allowed their player to leave the team to participate in the USMNT camp. “I have to be honest, I didn’t think there was any chance we were gonna get him because he’s obviously playing in season right now,” stated Hudson.

“The fact that the club let him come in, let him come in to play against Serbia, then go back to play with them on the 28th, is amazing. A huge amount of respect to the club.”

Club America just started their 2023 Clausura campaign earlier this month. Zendejas featured for the Mexican side on Jan. 21 before heading to the USMNT camp. The winger scored in his team’s 2-2 draw against Puebla on the night. Zendejas will be in the USMNT squad to face Serbia on Wednesday and then report back to his club for their matchup with Mazatlan on the 28th.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire