Michael Estrada arrives 'prepared' to Cruz Azul after failed D.C. United stint

Ecuadorian striker Michael Estrada is ready to start fresh with Liga MX’s Cruz Azul after D.C. United ended his loan stint early. 

The player, who is permanently signed with Toluca, arrived in Mexico City on Saturday, with the hope to “score many goals” in his second stint in Liga MX. 

"I come with great enthusiasm, I hope to start and score a lot of goals, center forwards should be like that," said the Ecuadorian upon arrival at the Mexico City airport. "It's a nice opportunity, also, to come here to one of the big teams.

"The World Cup is coming up in November, so things have to be done well at Cruz Azul and then what will be the World Cup.”

Estrada spent six months with D.C. United, recording four goals and four assists in 16 appearances before the Eastern Conference side ended his contract. Though he originally signed through the 2022 MLS season, a change in team management saw his time come to an abrupt end. 

Now, he returns to the league where he initially flourished. Prior to his move abroad, the striker managed 17 goals and six assists in 66 appearances for Toluca. 

“The truth is, I don't think there will be many complications, I was there two years ago and it won't bother me to adapt to the league. You have to adapt to your teammates, to the new style of play”, he indicated.

“It is the second biggest team that I am representing in Mexico, it is a very competitive league and I am very excited to be able to start. I was preparing with my previous team, so I arrived well.”

He’s expected to stand as Santiago Gimenez’s replacement at Cruz Azul, after the Mexican national team player completed a transfer to Eredivisie team Feyenoord. He has big shoes to fill, after Gimenez departed as Liga MX’s top scorer of the season so far.

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