Mexican-American midfielder Alejandro Zendejas, who plays in Liga MX for Club America, has openly addressed the controversy surrounding his decision to represent the United States national team rather than pursuing a permanent role with the Mexico national team, commonly known as El Tri. The discussion intensified after comments attributed to Gerardo Martino, the former Mexico coach, sparked debate about pressure and possible extortion attempts. Zendejas has firmly denied any form of coercion, stating that the claims were unfounded and that his choice was guided by his own aspirations and experiences on the field.
In his own words, Zendejas underlined that those circulating accusations about trying to force him to switch allegiance do not reflect what happened. He emphasized that as a player he listens to coaches and makes decisions based on what he believes will help him perform at his best. He also noted that the matter has been resolved in his mind and that his priority remains delivering strong performances for the United States when called upon on the international stage.
Having previously competed officially for the United States in the Concacaf Nations League, Zendejas chose not to stay silent about the misrepresentations that followed. He explained that the topic had become delicate, with various statements circulating that he neither made nor agreed with. He reiterated his U.S. roots, tracing his development and education in the United States, and said these experiences heavily influenced his decision to represent the U.S. at the international level.
According to Zendejas, every player has the right to share their views on such decisions. He reflected that his choice occurred months ago and that he has since found happiness with the United States. He also mentioned a subsequent contact from the national team setup that brought him relief and renewed motivation, reaffirming his commitment to the U.S. program as he continues to grow as a player.
The midfielder remains part of the conversation as interim United States coach Anthony Hudson selected him for a friendly match against Mexico in Phoenix. Zendejas, who has balanced his duties between club and country, has continued to train with discipline, focusing on his development and the impact he can make when representing the United States on the international stage. The ongoing dialogue around his international allegiance has highlighted the complex relationship between national teams, player development, and the personal choices that shape a player’s career trajectory.
Source: Goal