by Irene Tostado

“Of course I’m Mexican,” said Luis Roberto Alves dos Santos Gavranic who was born in México City to Brazilian parents and raised in Brazil. He is proud to be one of the ambassadors representing the Mexican national team competing in the Allstate sponsored exhibition series in the United States.

Soccer player Luis Roberto Alves dos Santos Gavranic signs an autograph for a young fan.
(Source: Extra News)

His father, nicknamed Zague, played for the Mexican soccer team America. “The Mexican,” as he was affectionately nicknamed by his classmates in Brazil, followed in his footsteps by joining the team in 1985 and culminating his career in 2003 with the title of the highest scorer in the team’s history.

México defeated Peru 4-0 at Soldiers Field last weekend in front of a crowd of almost 34,000. Amidst the onlookers was the newly appointed head coach for the Mexican team, Sven-Goran Eriksson, the 60-year-old former England national team head coach.

Eriksson will officially replace interim coach Jesus Ramírez in the World Cup qualifying series against Belize.

Zague stressed the relevance and importance of the exhibition games and the need for a strong bond between the players and the team’s leadership.

“These games are good indicators of the level of preparation of the team and it’s a time to mature as a team,” said Zague, who singled out Ramírez as an exceptional coach.
“I hope that Ramírez’s commitment and know-how is considered and he remains a part of the team,” added Zague, who believes that it will be difficult for the new coach to adapt to the new culture, language and the team’s technique.

“Jesus knows the team and each player’s qualities and by keeping him on the team, we can ensure consistency instead of changing leaders and starting from zero,” said Zague. “England’s technique is very different and a coach needs to be able to communicate effectively with his players, whether it’s a compliment or disapproval; something that will be difficult for the new Swedish coach to do.”

He added that Hugo Sanchez, Mexico’s former coach, should definitely return to coaching.

“He has the capacity,” said Zague.

A strong devotion to “some of the most committed, critical, and respectful fans” has led him to promote projects, such as “La Fundación Astros,” that encourages companies to sponsor the building of communities using soccer as a driving force.

Zague played with Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Chicago Fire’s lead scorer, and remembers him as a charismatic team player who he would sometimes scorn.

(To finish reading 'The Mexican' in Chicago, click here.)