Juan Pablo Garcia came into MLS with high hopes of reaching Europe and the Mexican national team. He accomplished the latter while a member of Chivas USA, though that lone Gold Cup appearance in July of 2005 came on the strength of his play with Atlas. His move to Chivas USA earned him no further call-ups to El Tri and apparently did not catch the interest of any European clubs either.
Garcia gambled and it didn't pay off. He moved back to Mexico when he joined Tigres recently. Reportedly, Feyenoord and PSV were interested after former boss Hans Westerhof had allegedly recommended "Loquito" to several of his Dutch cronies.
Now I can't say I feel bad for Garcia since he will most likely receive hefty compensation with Tigres. On the soccer side, I might have more sympathy for him if my last impressions of him weren't his self-serving tantrum following the first leg of Chivas' playoff series against Houston and his cheap shot at the end of the second leg.
He's a talented player no doubt. Talented for MLS standards? For sure. Talented enough to go to Europe? The jury's still out on that. Talented for Mexico? That's where his talents are likely best suited.
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