Mexican-American Midfielder Brian Gutierrez, Recently Transferred to Chivas, Named to Mexico World Cup Squad

Brian Gutierrez addressed reporters at Mexico's Centro de Alto Rendimiento on Tuesday, June 9, two days before the national team begins final preparations for the World Cup. The 22-year-old midfielder from Illinois said he wants to support the squad, perform well and enjoy the experience. Gutierrez moved from the Chicago Fire to Chivas de Guadalajara in January in a multimillion-dollar transfer.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre selected him for the team's pre-tournament matches after the transfer. Along with Obed Vargas, Gutierrez became the first Mexican-American named to a Mexico World Cup roster since 2014. He said the selection did not surprise him.

Asked what his reaction would have been a year and a half earlier while still at the Chicago Fire, Gutierrez said he would have been happy to learn his work had paid off. He described the Mexico national team as international, noting players born in Spain, Colombia and Argentina also appear on the current squad.

Gutierrez said many young players of Mexican descent in the United States grow up supporting the team their parents and grandparents follow.

He credited that background with helping him mature. Mexico opens the World Cup against South Africa. Gutierrez said the group is focused and excited as it prepares for the match.