MARCELO FLORES CHOOSES MEXICO OVER CANADA AND ENGLAND

Canadian-born Marcelo Flores, who plays for Arsenal’s under-23 side, says he wants to play internationally for Mexico. Canada had hoped to secure the services of the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England. Flores was born in Georgetown, Ont., to a Canadian mother and Mexican father. He first moved to England six years ago and is now seen as a budding star in the Arsenal system with five goals in 11 appearances for the London club’s under-23 side. “Despite the ability to represent several countries, I have always been a part of the Mexican national team system,” Flores said in a social-media post. “It’s where I feel most comfortable.

“Today I speak from the heart and feel the need to communicate something I’ve known to be true for a while. I will represent Mexico wholeheartedly for the rest of my professional life.”

His declaration promoted a response on the Mexican team’s official Twitter feed. “And Mexico will always welcome you. We’re delighted to continue this journey with you, Marcelo,” it said. A Mexican youth international, he has won two caps already for Mexico at the senior level, both in friendlies – most recently in an April 27 draw with Guatemala.