Jonathan Rodríguez 'didn't think twice' about joining América | OneFootball

Jonathan Rodríguez has said the lure of América and the upcoming World Cup in Qatar were behind his decision to return to Liga MX.

‘Cabecita’ only left Cruz Azul for Saudi side Al Nassr in January, but arrived back in Mexico City last week to join his former Clásico Joven rivals.

The forward was unveiled at the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday alongside fellow new signings Néstor Araujo and Jürgen Damm.

“The decision was for the club, because it is América,” Rodríguez told a press conference.

“As soon as Tano (manager Fernando Ortiz) told me that he had the chance to come, I said yes without thinking about it,” he said.

The Uruguay international admitted he was surprised by the fans’ reception, and explained that his dream of representing La Celeste in Qatar was also a major factor in his decision.

“I didn’t think they were going to receive us the way they did today,” the 28-year-old said.

“It’s a very big club, where you go people let you know, when they said that if I went back to Mexico to América without thinking about it, I said yes.

“Also the possibility of fighting for a chance in the World Cup, I wasn’t given much there, it’s not as competitive as it is here.”

América, who drew their Apertura opener at home to Atlas at the weekend, travel to face Monterrey on Saturday.