Mexican midfielder Edson Álvarez underwent surgery on his left ankle after getting injured during a match with his club team, Fenerbahce, last February. It kept him sidelined from both his Turkish squad and the Mexican national team.
At times, his participation in this summer’s World Cup was in jeopardy.
But thanks to his resilience, Álvarez will be Mexico’s captain as he plays in his third World Cup. He is one of the key leaders of coach Javier Aguirre’s team that will aim to reach at least the quarterfinals — a feat that has eluded El Tri in the last eight World Cups.
“It’s been a very busy few months for me, with the whole injury issue, but I’ve always believed this and said it publicly: I’m a firm believer that everything that happens in our lives happens for a reason,” Álvarez said. “So, I also dedicated this time to myself to continue growing as a soccer player and as a person.”
Álvarez made his World Cup debut in Russia in 2018 at 20, the youngest player on the roster, competing in all of Mexico’s matches. Four years later in Qatar, he played two matches and was stranded on the bench by Mexico’s coach at the time, Gerardo Martino, against eventual champion Argentina.
Álvarez, known as “El Machín” for his tenacity and courage on the field, endeared himself to fans for his leadership off the field last summer.
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Source: Los Angeles Times
