SI Latino catches up with Mexican defender Salcido

	Carlos Salcido is one of a handful of Mexicans flourishing in Europe; he has been instrumental to PSV's success this year. AP

No matter which defensive position he plays, Carlos Salcido is a key player for the Mexican national team and Dutch-league leader PSV Eindhoven.

His great performance in the 2005 Confederations Cup in Germany -- where he scored a goal after slaloming through the Argentine defense in the semifinal match -- caught the attention of European clubs. He was rumored to be heading to Arsenal before he left Chivas of Guadalajara for the Dutch first division in '06. (Chelsea is said to be interested in acquiring him to solve its defensive problems.)

Ironically enough, Salcido spearheaded PSV's defense when the Dutch club knocked Arsenal out of the UEFA Champions League recently by beating the Gunners in the round of 16. Has has been sidelined with a knee injury, but should be healthy to play when PSV next takes on another English power -- Liverpool -- in the quarterfinals, which begin Tuesday. SI Latino's Santiago Alfonso recently caught up with Mexico's stalwart defender.

SI Latino: How did it feel to eliminate Arsenal from Champions League play?

Salcido: It was the high point of my career. I played the last World Cup, but we couldn't get past the Round of 16. And playing the Champions League is like playing the World Cup: You're up against the best players and the best teams. Knocking out the Gunners was unforgettable.

SI Latino: Was it tough to mark Thierry Henry?

Salcido: In the first-leg match, I played at the left back and didn't run into him much. In the second game, I played central defender and he came off the bench, but I was able to control him during the time he was on the field.

SI Latino: Should PSV fans be dreaming about the European title?

Salcido: I would lie to you if I told you they should. We know it's very difficult. There are some very tough teams left.

SI Latino: What do you make of the rumors linking you to Chelsea?

Salcido: Right now I'm dedicated to my current team. When you're playing at a good level, other European clubs are going to look at you. So far, everything has happened very fast for me, and I hope things continue to happen fast so I can make the jump to a big club. If not, then I'll stay at PSV, where I'm very happy.

SI Latino: How are the Dutch fans and media treating you?

Salcido: At the stadium, when I make a good play, the fans chant "Mi amigo Salcido" [My friend Salcido] over Mexican music. And at the stadium's restaurant there's even a dish named after me! As far as the media, I can only understand them through the team's interpreter, but I hear they have me down as one of the best players on the team. People were surprised here because they didn't know much about Mexico or Mexican players, except for Rafael Márquez, who has been in Europe for some time now.

SI Latino: Speaking of food, have you found it hard to adapt to Holland?

Salcido: Yes. I'm taking classes and still trying to learn to speak Dutch. My first 15 days here I would only eat at McDonald's because I didn't understand the menus at the restaurants. And how do you tell the waiter what you want when you don't know the language? Finally, the Latin American players who have been here longer -- Jefferson Farfán, Edison Méndez and Alex -- led me to places where they speak Spanish. When I found a restaurant from Spain, it was like discovering an oasis.

SI Latino: In Mexico, you're considered the most accomplished defender after Márquez. Can you top what he has done in Europe?

Salcido: I think I will never be able to play at Rafa's level. In terms of achievements, though, I hope to be able to match him in a couple of years. My dream is to play with him at the club level, to have him as a teammate.

SI Latino: What do you think about Hugo Sánchez's decision to field one team to play the Gold Cup and Copa América?

Salcido: If he fields one team, it will make it a little bit harder [because of the dates]. He's going to have to pick his people very well. I hope to be there. We're going to go up against some very good national teams, and I don't want to miss it.

SI Latino: Can Mexico finally win the Copa América?

Salcido: Being here in Europe, I've realized that Mexico has everything it needs to win the tournament. We have the players to do it, so I don't know what's wrong with us. My PSV teammates from Ecuador, Peru and even Brazil tell me that Mexico is a very strong opponent for their national teams. They respect us.

SI Latino: What do you miss most about Mexico?

Salcido: Friends and family. But now I'm happy because my wife, Fabiola, my 4-year-old son, Carlos Jovanny, and my 5-month-old daughter, Jocelyn, have been here with me since January.

SI Latino: Chivas is the reigning champion of Mexico. Do you think some of your former teammates will follow in your footsteps and make the leap to Europe?

Salcido: If they maintain their current level, I think [forwards] Omar Bravo and Alberto Medina can do it. But the one I really like is [Chivas and national team defender] Jonny Magallón. He's at the right age [25] and at the top of his game.

Reprinted from the April issue of SI Latino.