Despite winning almost nearly accolade in Liga MX, Zendejas stressed that he's happy at Las Águilas
Zendejas says he respects Pochettino's decisionsWinger stressed he's happy at Club AmericaWas a bright spot for Liga MX at Skills ChallengeGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas has been arguably Club America's top player for the past two seasons, and has won six trophies with – including three Liga MX titles. Despite the U.S.'s glaring need for depth at the winger positions, the 27-year-old has received just one call up from Mauricio Pochettino.
And that came in the USMNT coach's first camp.
Zendejas was diplomatic about his lack of opportunity, saying he hasn't heard from Pochettino and stressed it's out of his control.
"That's his decision for him to make, and I respect it 100 percent. What I can do is my job, you know, I got to perform on the field, and then hopefully that call up will come," he said following Liga MX's loss at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge.
Since joining Club America in 2022 for $3 million, Zendejas has 29 goals and 19 assists in 101 league appearances.
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Tuesday's All-Star festivities at Q2 Stadium marked a bit of a homecoming for Zendejas, who grew up in El Paso and spent his formative years as a member of FC Dallas' youth academy. The winger, who was one of Liga MX's bright spots at the Skills Challenge, said several times in the various competitions that he was thrilled to be back in Texas.
Although there was a lot of sentimentality by the dual-national, Zendejas stressed a potential move away from Club America isn't on the cards.
"Obviously I miss home right now, [MLS] is a goal for me, [but] I'm happy where I'm at right now," Zendejas said. "They treat me good. The team is good. The connection I have with my teammates and coaching staff, everyone at the club, it's nice, man. So I'm in a good spot, very good spot, and hopefully I'll look to MLS, hopefully down the road. For sure."
WHAT ZENDEJAS SAID
Zendejas also touched about Club America's growing fanbase in the U.S., something he believes is tied to the club scheduling matches in the country. There was a sizable Las Aguilas presence at the Q2 Stadium Tuesday night.
"We're used to it because Club America is used to coming to the States to play a lot of friendlies over here," he said. "So it's nice getting the attention from your fans, the Club America fans here, once you come and step on American soil. So yeah, man, it's nice. I miss it. I obviously miss the States, but I'm happy over here."
WHAT NEXT FOR ZENDEJAS?
Zendejas is set to play in Wednesday's MLS All-Star game before resuming Liga MX action. America take on Eva Longoria-owned Necaxa on Saturday.
