Pumas' Nicolas Castillo (pictured) answers questions at a press conference on January 3, 2016. (Photo courtesy of Puma)
MEXICO CITY – Nicolas Castillo hasn’t resided in Mexico for two weeks yet, but his Liga MX debut could come as early as Saturday, when Pumas kicks off its 2017 Clausura campaign against host Guadalajara.
The Chile international joined the Mexico City club late last month after winning back-to-back scoring titles (29 in two seasons) in his home country with Universidad Catolica. Despite the short time to acclimatize, Castillo feels like he is prepared to contribute immediately.
“I am ready to play,” said the forward. “I have trained with normalcy. I have felt very good. They have treated me well. The physical aspect has not been a problem.”
Castillo’s offensive output will be crucial to the 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinalist’s success, especially considering the recent departures of midfielders Saul Berjon and Fidel Martínez (Atlas), and forwards Eduardo Herrera (Veracruz) and Jose Alfonso Nieto (Herediano).
“I want to emerge as champion with Pumas, but more than thinking about personal objectives, first I think about the club,” he commented. “The priority is to contribute the most I can to the team.”
A trip to famed Chivas could be daunting to any newcomer, but Castillo expect to be ready and isn’t daunted in any way.
“I know what it [Guadalajra) represents, but here in Mexico any team is difficult,” finished the 23-year-old, who has played in Germany (Mainz) and Belgium (Club Brugge). “If I’m chosen to play against Chivas, I want to be at my best.”
In their last meeting, Pumas defeated Guadalajara, 1-0, on July 17, 2016.
