Oswaldo Sanchez want to play in Europe

LEIPZIG, Germany, June 29 (Reuters) - Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez said he would like to move to a European club after helping his country finish fourth in the Confederations Cup.

'I would like to play in Europe -- in Italy, Spain or maybe even Germany,' he told reporters after his side lost 4-3 to Germany in the third-place playoff.

Unlike other south American national teams whose players are mainly with clubs across Europe, most Mexicans stay home. All 11 Mexico players who started against Germany play in their home country.

'I have had some good offers .. but it would have to be a very good one,' the charismatic 31-year-old joked.

Sanchez had an outstanding tournament, being named man of the match in Mexico's 1-0 win over Brazil and the goalless draw against Greece.

Prior to the playoff against Germany, Sanchez conceded only two goals in the tournament before being taken to penalties in the semi-final against Argentina, which ended Mexico's 20-match unbeaten run.

'We've seen with Sanchez during this tournament just how valuable it can be when a goalkeeper finds his rhythm,' said German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, indirectly criticising his coach Juergen Klinsmann for making him share the job with Jens Lehmann.

Sanchez has spent plenty of time watching from the sidelines in the past.

At the 1998 World Cup he was number two behind national hero Jorge Campos, and in 2002 lost out on the number one shirt to Oscar Perez. He hopes to get his chance on the biggest stage in Germany next year.

'We lost today but we leave the tournament with our heads up,' Sanchez said. 'Mexico can face any team in the world. Argentina, Brazil and now Germany. Our target next year is to beat them all.'

Information provided by espnsoccernet