TIJUANA – When the Xolos open the Clausura season at home on Saturday evening they will not have one of their key players from last year, Dayro Moreno.
The Colombian attacker, 26, one of the most high-profile acquisitions from last summer, has not shown up for pre-season training or games in three weeks.
Officially, team management explained his absence by saying that he was mending from a car accident in his native land.
For weeks, though, there has been plenty of speculation in the news media that he was unhappy playing in Tijuana and wanted out.
On Friday, the president of the Xoloitzcuintles, confirmed in an interview with ESPN Radio Formula that Moreno had informed the team "he no longer felt comfortable" and wanted out.
The president, Jorgealberto Hank, said the club was weighing several offers for Moreno, with the best being one from the United Arab Emirates.
Moreno has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, whose amount was not announced but was reportedly in the $3.5-million to $5-million range.
His departure would open up a slot for the team to sign another foreign player. It's not clear it they will do that ahead of a league deadline of Jan. 31.
In the radio interview, Hank said that Moreno suffered injuries to his face and teeth in the car accident in early January. He should be cleared to play in the coming days, he added.
Moreno played in 12 games last season, scoring five goals.
The last time he played with the Xolos was in the pre-season game Dec. 28 in Tijuana against Atlante, when he entered in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Xolos take on Monterrey on Saturday in the season-opener at Caliente Stadium. The Xolos, which had a lackluster record last year, must win this season or be demoted back down to Mexico's minor league.
editorial@sandiegored.com
[sidebar]Game day
What: Xolos vs. Monterrey
When: Saturday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.
Where: Estadio Caliente
Outlook: It is the Xolos' home opener for the 2012 Clausura. Tijuana is coming off a 1-1 draw in Morelia while Monterrey is coming off a 2-1 home win against Jaguares de Chiapas. The first-ever meeting between both teams came last summer when the Xolos squandered a 2-0 lead and lost 4-2.
Television: Azteca América
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