Pardon for answering a question that may have been answered already (but that I couldn't find)... Martinez's citizenship--US, Mexico? Green card holder? Thanks in advance.
From this board I get the impression that he has Mexican citizenship and that he is a transitional international. https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3208&highlight=chivas
He's a Mexican citizen with a Green Card. And, he is playing well enough to warrant some consideration for a call-up. His big problems used to be consistency and defense but he seems to have improved both and has been quite dangerous most of the year for the league's 2nd best team.
In any event, there may be a race to get the guy capped, especially after his match-winning efforts against the MetroStars tonight... Cheers, William
Well, there really can't be a race--neither country has a chance until the Gold Cup come next summer. And Barca, I know about that thread (which turned into another "bashing MLS" go-around)--I wanted people close to the team to give me information.
from dallasburn.com Born: Yahualica, Mexico Hometown: Carson, California Citizenship: Mexico In an old interview with 3rd Degree, Chivas expressed a desire to play for the Mexico.
That solves that: If the Tri want him, he's theirs. Even if the US wants to cap him next summer, he'll probably wait by the phone for a Tri call. Thanks, 3rd.
no problem, here is the question I was refering too... 8. Do you hope to play for the National team? What do you think your chances are of making it? "Of course. It's every players dream to play for the national team. For me that would be, of course, Mexico since I am still a citizen there. I think that if I continue to work hard and to prove myself in the MLS there's a chance I could get that opportunity."
Well, he's probably been here long enough--or nearing that time--when he could apply for citizenship if he wanted. But the chances, if he gets capped at all, are greatly in Tri's favor. I mean, I watch the Burn via the Shootout consistently, and he's impressed me in most matches I see--even before last night's domination.
my opinion would be that he is too much of a defensive liability to make a National team yet... Poor positional sense and team shape. Doesn't anticipate the play well enough. but on the offensive end he is great one on one...
Exactly. But, if you're down a goal in the 70th minute in Saprissa Stadium, isn't this the kind of player you want to come in and try to make up that gap?
What I was thinking, exactly. He's a perfect option off the bench, or a nice player to step into the lineup if say, Beasley, is not available for a qualifier come 2004.
"Of course. It's every players dream to play for the national team. For me that would be, of course, Mexico since I am still a citizen there. I think that if I continue to work hard and to prove myself in the MLS there's a chance I could get that opportunity." Got to work on hackin and divin before they will even look at him.
Last night on the Unicamente MLS show Martinez answered a question about his nationality this way: "Solo somos dos mexicanos en la liga. Yo y Alvarez del Metrostars". Translation: There are only two mexicans in the league. Me and Alvarez of the Metros.
Well maybe he'll catch on with some local mexican fans and draw some more of them to the Burn games. They might relate to a good mexican player who migrated to the U.S. This might help draw some mexican players in the states to try to mainstream their soccer careers, as well. If he does appear for the Mexican team maybe that will increase his drawing power a little more. Notice, I didn't say a LOT. There is also a good chance that when he gets his U.S. citizenship and if Arena is interested he might play for the U.S.