Tweet
Former Cuban star turned defector pulling for homeland in qualifier
Maykel Galindo won't be here on Saturday for Cuba's historic World Cup qualifier against the United States. The former star forward of the Cuban national team defected to the U.S. in 2005, boarding a bus in Seattle during the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Cuban officials now view Galindo as a shamed figure whose example has spurred nine other defections by Cuban soccer players to the U.S. since 2005. Meanwhile, Cuban exiles see Galindo as a beacon of hope who now earns $79,750 a year playing professionally in the States.
But understand this: Galindo, who now plays for MLS's Chivas USA, has no confusion over his cheering interest on Saturday. "I'm rooting for Cuba," he says. "I'm Cuban, I played for the national team for a long time and I hope Cuba can advance in World Cup qualifying."
(continue)
Maykel Galindo won't be here on Saturday for Cuba's historic World Cup qualifier against the United States. The former star forward of the Cuban national team defected to the U.S. in 2005, boarding a bus in Seattle during the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Cuban officials now view Galindo as a shamed figure whose example has spurred nine other defections by Cuban soccer players to the U.S. since 2005. Meanwhile, Cuban exiles see Galindo as a beacon of hope who now earns $79,750 a year playing professionally in the States.
But understand this: Galindo, who now plays for MLS's Chivas USA, has no confusion over his cheering interest on Saturday. "I'm rooting for Cuba," he says. "I'm Cuban, I played for the national team for a long time and I hope Cuba can advance in World Cup qualifying."
(continue)
Comment