Jonathan Rodríguez's move to América 'normal', argues Richard Núñez | OneFootball

Former Uruguay attacker Richard Núñez has come to countryman Jonathan Rodríguez’s defence following his move to América.

Rodríguez was a firm fan favourite at Cruz Azul, who he helped win the Guard1anes 2021 title during that COVID-19-affected season.

The striker subsequently moved to Saudi side Al Nassr in January, but his return to La Máquina’s Clásico Joven rivals has angered the blue side of Mexico City.

Núñez is an authority on the subject, having himself crossed the divide from to Cruz to the Azulcrema back in 2008.

“People have to understand, and I always say the same thing that one is a professional and it is not that you are going to play 20 or 25 years with the same club,” the 46-year-old told ESPN.

“I was trained in Uruguay, I travelled to Switzerland, I was in Spain, I went to Mexico and you love the teams, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay there for years.

“The people are very passionate. Obviously the people who go to Cruz Azul will go to them all their lives and the same with América.

“But if they [players] wear a shirt and if they later go to the traditional rival or vice versa, I think that’s normal because one is a professional and one has to go where the chances come best at that moment.”

Rodríguez will no doubt be anticipating a hostile response from Cruz fans when the sides face off at the Estadio Azteca in August.