Colo Colo defender Javier Méndez has publicly thrown his weight behind Arturo Vidal, whose contract renewal has become a delicate topic at the club. Speaking in the mixed zone after a friendly against Racing in Concepción, the Uruguayan said the midfielder deserves to stay for what he continues to offer and for what he has given Chilean and world football.
A heated friendly
Méndez started the match but was sent off after a clash with an opponent, and he ended up in a scuffle involving several Racing players. The former Peñarol man insisted the game was far from a routine preseason outing. He said the squad wanted to take the chance to play well, stay intense and show what they were capable of, and he felt they had done so.
A difficult season
Méndez had barely featured this season. He explained that he had suffered an injury, something he had never experienced before in his career, and that it had been a hard period. With support from teammates, the coaching staff and his family, he recovered, and he said the coach had since started giving him minutes again.
Future uncertain
On his own future, the defender was cautious. He has one year left on his contract, and he said the decision on his long-term stay is not up to him but to the coach and the club’s leadership. He stressed that he is happy in Santiago and described the chance to play in the Copa Libertadores as something special, adding that dreaming big is part of the appeal.
Support for Vidal
Méndez also addressed Vidal’s situation directly. He said every footballer would like to play alongside the veteran midfielder and that, if the decision rested with him, he would keep him. He acknowledged that the club and the coach will have their own reasons, but expressed hope that the two can continue sharing the dressing room, noting the warm welcome Vidal had given him.
Source: www.adnradio.cl
