Ochoa admits he nearly joined another Mexican club instead of América | OneFootball

Guillermo Ochoa is a massive fan favourite at Club América – but that might not have been the case in another life.

The iconic Mexican goalkeeper came through the team as a youngster in 2004, making 239 appearances over eight years before departing for Ajaccio in 2011.

He has since become a mainstay at the Estadio Azteca once again after making his return to Mexico City from Standard Liège in 2019.

But, as Ochoa revealed in an interview with TUDN, that homecoming was nearly spoiled by another offer on the table, some time beforehand.

“Before América, an option had arisen to return to Mexico,” Ochoa said. “It was very close to materialising. But, one night, I woke up and said, ‘No, I can’t. I can’t go back. I can’t leave (Europe) like this.’

“I wasn’t comfortable. I wasn’t at peace. I woke up and told my wife, ‘You know what? We’re not leaving.’ I told my family ‘no,’ and life settled down again in return.”

It seems difficult to imagine Ochoa suiting up for another team, which, as noted, the 36-year-old chose not to disclose – though ESPN’s John Sutcliffe indicates it may have been Atlas F.C.

Regardless, his final choice has proven quite a good fit, as Ochoa remains the number one at Club América, having recently made his 400th appearance for the club.