'Gringo' in Chivas' midst

"More than anything, it was the fans," Su�rez said. " Guadalajara has a grand tradition built up over many years. It's the club that has won the most titles in Mexican soccer. There are a lot of people who ... did not take that kindly."

Padilla is not the only American-born player currently plying his trade in Mexico. Sonny Guadarrama of Morelia, Michael Orozco of San Luis and Edgar Castillo of Santos were all born in the U.S. Castillo has even earned several call-ups to the Mexican national team.

But neither Guadarrama, Orozco nor Castillo would likely be welcome in Guadalajara

"I think that would be difficult to change," Su�rez said. "I don't know if some club official would ever try to change that, to bring in a naturalized player. I doubt it. Guadalajara fans are very demanding, very tough and very faithful. I believe you cannot lose those types of values. That's why Guadalajara is considered the most beloved club in Mexico."