SOCCER-MEXICO/OLDEST GOALIE Pachuca's veteran goalkeeper Oscar Perez says he is close to retirement

Record ID: 156647

  • Title: SOCCER-MEXICO/OLDEST GOALIE Pachuca's veteran goalkeeper Oscar Perez says he is close to retirement
  • Date: 7th May 2015
  • Summary: PACHUCA, HIDALGO, MEXICO (RECENT) (REUTERS) PACHUCA'S VETERAN GOALKEEPER OSCAR PEREZ POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPH WITH FAN MORE OF PEREZ POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHS WITH FANS
  • Embargoed: 22nd May 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAD49T9H03PTN2EZKRSIVWTY0XV
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Pachuca's veteran goalkeeper Oscar Perez, the oldest active Mexican player formerly of the Mexican national team, said recently he knows it is very difficult for him to be considered for the national team because he is already close to retirement.
    Perez added he would love to win a championship before he retires.
    After Cuauhtemoc Blanco retired on April 21, Perez, who is forty-two-years-old , became the oldest player still playing in Mexico, defending the goal of club Pachuca.
    "Yes, two important, marvellous, wonderful tournaments are approaching. According to me, they are both important. They are a great showcase for every soccer player, for every Mexican. It is always exciting. But, let's be realistic. It's very difficult that I will be considered. It doesn't matter. It's not an obsession. I'm focused with my team and I want to achieve important things here in Pachuca," Perez said.
    Mexico will play the Copa America in Chile from June 11 to July 4 and will later play the Gold Cup in the United States from July 7 to 26.
    In the Copa America, Mexico will play the first stage in Group A along with hosts, Ecuador and Bolivia. In the Gold Cup, Mexico will be in Group C together with Cuba, Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago.
    For now, Perez says he is focused on maintaining his level, at least for another year.
    "Until the body resists but I estimate another year. I don't think any longer. But I need to see how I am able to finish this tournament. If I have the possibility to take part in another, I'll see how I am able to end (my career). If I see I'm unable to, I'll step to one side in six months. But if I am able to hold on to a good level and I continue to deliver, then obviously I would love to continue," Perez said.
    Perez, who played at the World Cup in France 1998, South Korea and Japan in 2002 and South Africa in 2010, acknowledged that it is almost impossible to play in the next World Cup in Russia.
    Perez made his debut in 1997 with the national team and after taking part in South Africa World Cup, has not returned to defend his country's goal. He was part of the team when Mexico won the Gold Cup in 1998 and 2003.
    Despite a long career, spanning 22 years, Perez - who has also defended the goal of the Tigres Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL) team, Jaguares, Necaxa and San Luis - has only managed to lift up a club champions trophy with Cruz Azul in the winter of 1997. He began his career at Cruz Azul in 1993.
    "I dream a lot about being a champion again. Since the championship with Cruz Azul in 1997, I have not been able to be a champion again. I've played a couple of finals and it hasn't happened for me. I've gone to World Cups, which is extraordinary and something I intensely experienced. I think that if I manage to be a champion again I would retire calmer," Perez said.
    Pachuca is located in twelfth place in the league table with 22 points.
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