Former Mexican International Pablo barrera Reveals Cruz Azul Transfer Was Driven by Finances, Calls it His “only thorn”
MEXICO CITY – Pablo Barrera, a key figure in Cruz Azul’s 2014 Concachampions triumph, has confessed that his 2012 move to the club was motivated primarily by economic factors, a decision he now considers the biggest regret of his career. Despite having a current contract with West ham United and the potential to continue playing in Europe, Barrera accepted an unexpectedly lucrative offer from Cruz azul.
“I made the decision to go to Cruz Azul, it is the only thorn that I could have changed,” Barrera stated. “The truth at that time was an economic issue. I made several proposals to them thinking they wouldn’t accept them and in the end they said yes.It was more than anything because of that, the only thing that left a mark on me.” He further revealed that his father urged him to remain in europe, repeatedly telling him to “stay, stay.”
Barrera played 63 official matches for Cruz azul between July 2012 and December 2014, scoring four goals and providing eight assists.He was part of the team that won the Copa MX in 2013 and the Concachampions in 2014. Though, his time with La Máquina also included the painful defeat to América in the Clausura 2013 final, a match he still struggles to understand. “I don’t understand what happened that night,we were a steamroller,” he recalled.
Barrera emphasized that his return to Mexican soccer was “more economic than sporting,” acknowledging the unexpected financial incentive that swayed his decision.