Luis Jimenez considering return to homeland

Denzil Pinto 05:27 16/05/2016
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  • Magic: Luis Jimenez.

    Chile playmaker Luis Jimenez has cast doubt on his Al Nasr future after revealing there is interest in his signature from clubs in his homeland.

    The 31-year-old midfielder has 12 months remaining on his two-year contract with the Blue Wave, having moved from Al Ahli last summer after four trophy-laden seasons.

    Jimenez was quoted in South American media as saying he would consider playing for a club that can vie for titles in the Campeonato Nacional.

    Speaking after Nasr’s 3-1 victory over Fujairah on the final day of the Arabian Gulf League season, Jimenez opened up on his dream of playing in the Chilean top-flight.

    “I always receive some interest from clubs from my country but there’s nothing concrete,” said the former West Ham and Internazionale schemer. “I have never played in Chile. I left my country when I was 16.

    “I have one year remaining on my contract and I am happy here. I like the club, the team and I feel very good in this country. But in football, you never know what will happen. I really don’t know.”

    Jimenez has 26 international caps for his country and admits he would like to see out his career in his homeland.

    “Chile is my country and I’ve played for the national team. For me, I feel I don’t want to finish my football career without playing in my country,” he added.

    After a week’s rest, Nasr will turn their focus to tomorrow’s AFC Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at home to Iran’s Tractor Sazi. It will be the first knockout appearance for the Blue Wave after finishing runners-up behind Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv Tashkent in Group A.

    Nasr can still qualify for next season’s premier continental competition if either Al Ahli or Al Ain win the President’s Cup, after finishing a disappointing fourth in the AGL, and Jimenez is wary of the Iranian outfit.

    “They are a very tough team but we’ve played well this season and we are ready,” he said. “We will prepare the game in the best way we can. We have to try.”

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