Sporting Kansas City’s Alan Pulido reveals personal goals with Mexico national team

Sporting Kansas City forward Alan Pulido has spoken about his aspirations with the Mexican national team ahead of the Nations League and the Olympics as he hopes to make a true impact this summer.

Pulido kicked off his international career in 2010, providing three goals in the group stage of the 2011 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in Guatemala. The team went on to win that tournament, and later qualify for the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia. 

Pulido participated in all stages of the national team before making his senior debut in 2014 with a phenomenal hat-trick against South Korea. Since then, he’s featured in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2017 Gold Cup rosters for Mexico.  

Current Mexican national team head coach Tata Martino recently included Pulido in the 23-man list for the Nations League after praising his success in MLS. Pulido expressed joy first and foremost, before delving into what he hopes to accomplish. 

He said: “I am happy to be able to feature again for the national team, it is always an honor to represent my country. It’s a huge motivation for me to be part of the team.

"Mexico is always under pressure due to its level of competition and obviously our goal is to win the final four of the Nations League. Personally, this is a great opportunity for me and it's an important year for international competitions so I hope to make an impact and be taken into consideration for the World Cup coming up. I am available and I hope to go to the Gold Cup and Olympics." 

Pulido, however, quickly made his preferences known. 

"Obviously if I had to choose, I would go to the Olympics, because last time it left a bad taste in my mouth to not be able to go to London."

Now, with Raul Jimenez’s injury and fellow MLS players Chicharito and Carlos Vela out of the running for Mexico, Pulido has the opportunity to stand out with the goal of reaching the delayed Japan Olympics. 

He mentioned that while his appearance won’t necessarily 'replace' his teammates, he hopes to be the one to propel the team to triumph. 

“More than a competition, I will try to be part of a great group and provide my grain of sand into this so we can all come out on top.”