CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – There is just something about the Concacaf Gold Cup that seems to bring out the best in Mexico FW Raul Jimenez.

After tallying a goal in Mexico’s 3-2 win over Martinique, Jimenez now has five goals in eight career Gold Cup games, and he is eager to add to that total as Mexico heads into the knockout stage of the tournament.

“It’s something really nice, this is just my second appearance in the Gold Cup. I had five games in the previous one, three in this one, and I didn’t know that stat that I had five goals in eight games, but I’m thinking that I can get more,” said Jimenez in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com.

“There are three games to go for us, we want to be champions, we hope that happens and personally I want to keep playing well in attack and hope that my teammates and I keep things going,” added Jimenez.

In the 2019 edition, Jimenez has three goals under his belt and was a large part of Mexico’s 13-goal haul in the group stage. On a personal and collective level, Jimenez feels he and his Mexico teammates are playing some of their best football.

“I think I’m in a good moment, just as much as all my teammates. We are going through a good stretch, taking advantage of all the opportunities. We must now continue that because the most important part of the tournament is coming up. We have to keep our heads up knowing that it is going to be difficult, but with the quality that there is in the locker room, it can be seen and noted on the field,” said Jimenez.

Prior to last week’s Group A clash with Canada, Mexico Head Coach Gerardo Martino called Jimenez “the most important striker in Mexican football at present.” Hearing those words is driving Jimenez to lift his performances to new heights.

“It is another motivation. It is something that makes me feel proud about my work, proud about what I’m doing. The confidence that the coach gives me, I have to repay it on the field with good performances and goals,” said Jimenez.

Mexico is now just three wins away from winning an eighth Gold Cup, and it is Jimenez’s dream to lift the trophy on July 7 in Chicago.

“It is what I am hoping for. It’s what I want, along with all my teammates. Hopefully we can be champions and raise the cup,” concluded Jimenez.