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Alan Pulido addressed the transfer rumors linking him back to Chivas de Guadalajara in Liga MX, revealing the possibility of a return to Mexico “is never ruled out.”
The Mexican forward kicked off his career in Liga MX, debuting with Tigres UANL before going on to feature for European teams and Chivas de Guadalajara. Though he lifted a league trophy with Tigres, Pulido earned his place in Liga MX during his time with Chivas de Guadalajara.
The player joined Chivas in 2016 from Olympiacos, quickly establishing himself under head coach Matias Almeyda. He instantly became an integral part of the team, scoring 12 goals in the 2017 Clausura to become the tournament’s leading goalscorer and lead Chivas to their first league title in 11 years.
His success at Chivas continues, scoring against Toronto FC in the first leg of the 2018 Concacaf Champions League to propel the Mexican side to the trophy. He managed a total of 41 goals in 117 games before making his way to Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer.
“That possibility is never ruled out,” he said in an interview with 90min.
“Of course I really enjoy this league [MLS]. All the infrastructure that the league manages, and the quality of life that they show you here in the United States is different, but I am never closed to any opportunity. Of course, I also take into account that my career began in Mexico, so going back there at a time for my retirement would not be bad.”
Despite a strong start, Pulido has seen limited time on the field for Sporting Kansas City due to injuries. He missed the entire 2022 campaign with an ACL tear in his right knee, undergoing surgery and rehabilitation.
He sustained the tear in the Spring of 2021, during a stretch with the Mexican national team. Pulido went on to record eight goals and three assists in 21 appearances while playing through the pain, before heading into surgery on January 17 to resolve the issue.
But now, he is set to return for the 2023 Major League Soccer season.
“For the moment I am enjoying being in Sporting Kansas City, I want to be champion in this league too, it is my ultimate dream and the purpose I set for myself when I came so hopefully I can achieve it with Sporting KC,” Pulido added.
Sporting Kansas City concluded the 2022 campaign in 12th place on the Western Conference table with 40 points in 34 games and a record of 11W-16L-7D. The team clearly struggled with the absence of Pulido and Designated Player Gadi Kinda, who was also sidelined with an injury.
Pulido played an integral part of Vermes’ attack, boasting 14 goals and eight assists in 33 games since joining the club in 2020. Naturally, the Mexican forward is now adamant to return to his goal-scoring ways and get SKC back on track.
“I most want to help my team win games. Last tournament wasn’t great for Sporting Kansas City, so this year the team is hungry for revenge to win and get to the playoffs.”
Sporting Kansas City kicks off the 2023 Major League Soccer campaign on February 25 when facing the Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon.
