Former Gunner returns to Mexico squad after Arsenal exit | OneFootball

Marcelo Flores has been back in the Mexico squad recently after a two-year absence, with his transfer from Arsenal to Tigres paying dividends.

MONTERREY, MEXICO: Marcelo Flores of Tigres kicks the ball and scores the team’s fifth goal during the 16th round match between Tigres UANL and Necaxa as part of the Torneo Clausura 2024 Liga MX at Universitario Stadium on April 20, 2024. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Arsenal fans may remember Marcelo Flores making his debut for Mexico when he was still in the Gunners’ academy system, with the young winger appearing for his country’s senior side three times in 2021 and 2022.

But it didn’t last, and Flores wasn’t involved in another senior Mexico squad from June 2022 to June 2024.

During those two years, Flores spent time out on loan with Real Oviedo, before departing Arsenal on a permanent basis in September 2023.

Marcelo Flores during the Arsenal u23s’ match against Middlesbrough (Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter)

The 20-year-old moved to Mexico, joining Tigres UANL, and he went on to make 32 appearances in his debut campaign, scoring eight goals and assisting two.

That form was rewarded with a return to the national team this summer, with Flores making the Mexico bench against Uruguay and Brazil, before joining their squad for Copa America.

Though he didn’t make any appearances on the pitch at the tournament, Flores was back with the squad again over the September international break.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre clearly likes having the former Gunner around the squad, even if he isn’t giving him minutes just yet.

Marcelo Flores with the Mexico youth teams (Photo via Flores on Instagram)

Back with his club, Flores has made six appearances (one start) in the new campaign, scoring one goal against CF America. He’ll be looking to push on now and progress his squad appearances into minutes for his country.