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Carlos Vela to miss World Cup 2014

Vela

Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela will not be present as part of Mexico’s 23-man national team at the World Cup in Brazil this summer. The Mexican Football Association have stated that they believe the 24-year-old “is not 100 per cent mentally or emotionally” ready to perform on the world stage.

Vela hasn’t played for his country’s team since back in 2011, during a friendly match against Venezuela. His absence in Mexico’s squad during this time is due to a reported dispute with the governing body.

Following a successful loan spell, Vela permanently signed to Real Sociedad in 2012. Over the past two years, Vela has been on top form, scoring a total of 14 goals and nine assists last season. He has already clocked 10 goals for Real Sociedad in La Liga this season, proving his value as an attacker and a fine goal scorer.

Vela’s refusal to play in the World Cup shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to fans. The young player’s international career has seen difficulty and he has refused to play with Mexico in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games.

Last year, following the sacking of De La Torre in September, Vela showed interest in playing for Mexico again, but when manager Manuel Vucetich named him in the squad, he once again declined in a tough blow to Mexican football.

In an attempt to improve El Tri’s chances of succeeding in Brazil, the Mexican Football Federation once again reached out to him. However, it appears that Vela has no intention of joining his fellow countrymen at this year’s World Cup games against Cameroon, Croatia and hosts Brazil.

Showing a distinct lack of interest, Mexico will have to forge on without Vela. Although he would have been a valuable addition and his talents will undoubtedly be missed this summer, his presence in the team wouldn’t have secured them the World Cup alone.

According to Free Bets, “beyond Europe and South America, USA and Mexico from CONCACAF lead the rest of the world but are still long shots at well over 100/1”. The squad still has a number of hardworking, first-class footballers willing to step up to the mark and prove themselves in Brazil, which could see their chances improve.

You can be sure that Coach Herrera will be spending the next five months carefully selecting and assembling the best team at his disposal to shine this summer, with or without Vela.

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