Despite recent success and a prolific scoring record in Liga MX—he leads Club America in goals scored with four—Raul Jimenez continues his crusade to secure a transfer to Portuguese outfit FC Porto. In an exclusive interview with O Jogo (via Fox Sports Latino), Jimenez defiantly admitted that "Porto's best for him."
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The 23-year-old has been linked with a potential transfer to the club, but no move has come to fruition. The last telling report, per Fox Sports' Ruben Rodriguez (via Twitter), had Jimenez completing a summer move to the Portuguese powerhouse this season.
In response to Jimenez's crusade, former Mexican international Jose Antonio Castro voiced an opinion of his own. The former American midfielder, having experienced a similar situation following the 2006 World Cup, warns Jimenez of perceived greener pastures. "I never liked it that clubs pursue you after one good season," Castro said (via Medio Tiempo). "They promise you everything and you go simply because it's Europe."
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"I want him to fight for what's his," he added. "That he sees what's best for him, talks with his family and evaluates [the situation] because he has the quality to go to any club, [not just Porto]."
Jimenez is proving Castro right every time he laces his boots in Mexico City. In addition to his club-best four goals, Jimenez has added an assist and four created chances in three starts. A projected finish at this pace would see the young striker at a bigger, more ambitious club than FC Porto at season's end.
Even if the club is "best for him."
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via Squawka).
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