Mexico boss speaks out on future of Arsenal and Liverpool linked Gilberto Mora | Football
Mexico boss Rafael Marquez believes Gilberto Mora is good enough to play for any team, ahead of an expected move to a European giant.
The 17-year-old sensation has already won 13 caps for Mexico and became the second-youngest player to start a World Cup game over the summer, behind only Pele.
The creative midfielder has sparkled in Liga MX with Tijuana, but unsurprisingly has been linked with a move away to a bigger club.
Mora turns 18 next week and ESPN report that a deal could be announced to take him to a ‘major European club’ on his birthday on October 14.
Liverpool and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the teenager, while Mora is a fan of Real Madrid and specifically admires Jude Bellingham.
Marquez, who won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona, can see the youngster fitting in at any big club, although warns that guidance will be key.
‘I think Gilberto is very talented and has a bright future ahead of him. He just needs the right guidance. I believe he could fit in with any team,’ the Mexico manager said.
‘He has the ability and above all the mindset to succeed. So wherever he goes, I’m sure he’ll have plenty of opportunities and a great career.’
Mora started in Mexico’s 3-2 defeat to England at the World Cup, but shared a nice moment with Bellingham after the match as they swapped shirts and briefly spoke.
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Explaining the moment between the two players, Mora said: ‘It was very nice. I’ve always really liked how he [Bellingham] plays, he’s an idol for me and being able to play against him was a dream.
‘We exchanged some words on the pitch which is normal and truthfully he is a very good, humble person and as a player he’s very good. So I’m very happy I could live that moment.’
After watching Mora play against England in the incredible atmosphere at the Azteca, former Three Lions midfielder predicted the teenager would move to Barcelona in the near future.
‘I tell you what, the young kid, the 17 year old, he’ll be at Barcelona in the next two years,’ Butt said on the latest episode of The Good, The Bad & The Football.
‘If you watch him, he’s just a complete and utter Barcelona player. Honestly, he was unbelievable.
‘Imagine that, 17 and playing in that atmosphere. They brought him off but he was brilliant.’
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