Fulham forward Raúl Jiménez is desperate to prove his critics wrong and reward Fulham’s faith in his ability as he prepares for a return to international duty.
Mexican newspaper Record quote the Mexican veteran extensively as he prepares to play for his country for the first time since November – having missed out on both the CONCACAF Nations’ League finals and the Copa America. Jimenez highlighted his successful return to the Fulham first team – revealing that he was grateful for Marco Silva’s belief in his ability that has seen him leapfrog Rodrigo Muniz in recent weeks at Craven Cottage.
The former Wolves striker, whose recall to the national side was criticised as a throwback to the past in some quarters last week, said:
“Today that this call is here, I want to respond. Let everyone know that yes, I can, that I am here to help as I have been doing in the team. It is difficult after so much time of being with the family, difficult to leave them again. Even if it is only 10 days, but I come with all the hope and all the desire for this to go well.
I am doing things well, helping the team [Fulham] in the aspirations we have and now reflecting that here as well. This last month I have had to be the man in charge of the team. It is something I was looking for and fortunately today I am achieving it based on the trust of the team, the coach and my teammates who know what I am capable of and what I can contribute to the team.
Jimenez scored in three successive Premier League outings last month before producing an audacious aside for Andreas Pereira last weekend at Manchester City.
