Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez has hinted he is not yet ready to leave the club and return to Mexico, despite reports suggesting a bid may be on the way for him.
The forward has been speaking to Claro Sports, relayed by Record, about his immediate future and why it is likely to be with Fulham.
Jiménez has been linked with a return to his native Mexico for months after falling down the pecking order at Craven Cottage thanks to the emergence of Rodrigo Muniz.
Club América, his former team, have long been credited with an interest in having him back and several reports in Mexico have made it clear that Jiménez is now open to the idea of ending his career in Europe and returning home.
He has now admitted that is a possibility for him, but not this summer, as he wants to see out the remainder of his contract with Fulham first.
“It is something that has crossed my mind (returning to Liga MX). I have always said that if I return to Mexican soccer, it would be to América, I don’t see myself returning to any other team.,” he said.
“It’s not to close the doors on me in other places, but I have an Americanist background and that’s where I’m from.
“Right now, I see myself here in Europe for as long as possible, I have a minimum contract for another two more years here. I want to fulfil them and then see.
“If I were to retire here in Europe it would also be something very cool, to finish a career and do it in the best way, but I am not closing the doors of returning to Mexico.”
That appears to have ended any speculation for the time being, with journalist Carlos Ponce de Leon also adding to that by reporting that he’s contacted the club to ask about the rumours and been told they are false and no move for the Fulham man is happening.
Why that is the case isn’t made clear but Claro Sports, via Heraldo, report that it is likely to do with the cost of the striker.
They say that while Jiménez would have to accept a back up role at Club America, they would also need to pay around $3-5m MDE for him, a figure considered a ‘millionaire’ price, particularly for someone who would be a substitute.
They could afford that figure, but it is high and will make them think twice, as will Jiménez’s latest comments on the subject.
