On-loan right-back Julian Araujo has opened up on why he decided to swap his international allegiance from the USA to Mexico, during a recent podcast appearance.
Since joining on loan from Bournemouth last month, the defender has been impressive, with his individual performances attracting praise from supporters and pundits alike.
Now, the 24-year-old has opened up on why he made the international switch, after making one appearance for the United States, the country of his birth, in 2020. "I grew up in a Mexican household - my dream and goal was always to play at Estadio Azteca," he said. [Celtic FC Podcast]
"I idolised Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado, Chicharito Hernandez, Giovanni Dos Santos, Jonathan Dos Santos, Memo Ochoa, and Raul Jimenez. I dreamed of playing with them and putting on the Mexican jersey. I never had that feeling with the US national team. I never woke up to watch a US game.
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"We always had family barbecues with my uncles and everyone drinking when the Mexican national team was playing. I love and respect the US, and it is a part of me, but I didn't make the switch earlier because I didn't have my Mexican passport.
"My dream was always set on the Mexican national team. It was a decision I made at heart. Even if I had only played one game, the feeling I had when I put on the shirt with my last name on it was something I wanted to bring home to my family."
Since joining the club, Araujo has made six appearances in all competitions, including five in the Scottish Premiership.
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