Fernando Morientes regrets not having played in Mexico
The former Spanish striker acknowledged that he had the opportunity to play in Liga MX. Morientes' status was not equal to Sergio Ramos's
Fernando Morientes was a great Spanish striker who played for important teams in Europe. At the end of his career, the former Real Madrid player could have reached Liga MX. But Morientes rejected this opportunity because he didn't feel capable of performing at his peak level.
For the 2009/2010 season, Fernando Morientes experienced one of his final seasons in elite football. The former Spanish striker was traded from Valencia to Marseille. In France, Morientes enjoyed his last high-level experiences. But the Caceres-born forward had the opportunity to try his luck in Mexican football.
"When I was 34, I decided I wanted to retire, although an offer from a Mexican team came in and I had to say no. Now I regret it, but at the time, I thought it was the perfect time," Fernando Morientes told MG Experiences.
Among the reasons, Morientes explained that he felt he could no longer perform optimally on the field. The former Real Madrid player preferred to step aside. This is a concept that closely matches Hector Herrera's wishes. “HH” plans to retire, but at a point in his career when he can still perform well on the field.
“You know when the end is coming because you have to be in great physical shape to move around the box, gain space, and goals score. You gradually lose that speed. Your mind is more mature, but your physique is already abandoning you,” he explained.
In this sense, Fernando Morientes could have been another top-tier footballer who would have made it to Liga MX. The former Real Madrid player won important trophies during his career. Morientes managed to lift the following trophies: LaLiga (Real Madrid): 2000-01, 2002-03; Ligue 1 (Marseille): 2009-10; UEFA Champions League (Real Madrid): 1997-98, 1999-2000, 2001-02; Spanish Super Cup (Real Madrid): 2001; European Super Cup (Real Madrid): 2002 and the Intercontinental Cup (Real Madrid): 1998, 2002.
The case of Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos experienced a very similar situation to Fernando Morientes. The difference is that the Spanish defender accepted the Mexican football offer from Rayados de Monterrey. Ramos has been very good,but Morientes explains that a defender's career can last longer than an attacker's.
"Sergio's case is special because as a defender, he can extend his career a little longer. In modern football, some people live to be 38 or 40, but it's not easy," he concluded.