JARED Borgetti knows how hard it is for a Mexican to make it in English football.
Let alone after suffering a life-threatening injury.
Raul Jimenez scored in Mexico’s opening game and in the last 32 clash with Ecuador Credit: Getty
Jared Borgetti is Mexico’s third highest scorer behind Javier Hernandez and Jimenez Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Which is why Borgetti and all of hail as a hero.
Borgetti became the first footballer from his country to play in when he joined in 2005.
The former centre forward watched with admiration as Jimenez made his name with .
And with horror in November 2020 when a clash with Arsenal’s left his compatriot with a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.
Borgetti said: “I think what Raul Jiménez has achieved in his career is truly remarkable.
“He is a player who had to work hard to earn his spot in Europe.
“He went through Spain and Portugal before arriving in England, where he really began to shine.
“He has earned everything he has through perseverance, hard work, and by seizing opportunities.
“Of course, it’s never pleasant to hear that someone is in danger, and after his head injury, everyone in Mexico was fearful that he would not be able to continue to play football at the highest level.
“So you have to give him enormous credit for having the resilience and the mental strength to overcome that.”
Borgetti remembers the impact Jimenez’s injury had on his homeland.
Borgetti, speaking on behalf of 10bet.co.uk , said: “It was a difficult time for his family, for him, and for Mexico too because there is great affection for Raul from the people of Mexico.
“Fortunately, he managed to wait for the right moment and recover.
“He has moved forward with great mental strength, and I believe he serves as a huge inspiration to many not to give up and to always seek to change any outcome, provided your health allows it.”
Jimenez returned to football in August 2021 and still wears a head protector.
After five years with Wolves, he spent three more seasons in the Premier League with .
Jimenez, 35, rejoined relegated Wolves as a free agent this summer.
A clash of heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz left Wolves striker Jimenez fighting for his life Credit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Borgetti, now 52, is backing Jimenez to shine against England in the Azteca Credit: Getty Images
Borgetti found life tough in English football.
He scored seven goals in 32 appearances for Bolton before leaving for Saudi side Al-Ittihad and then finishing his career back in Mexico.
Now 52, Borgetti said: “Coming to English football was a real challenge for me – getting a feel for the landscape, understanding the nature of the game there, and, above all, grasping the level of competition.
“The Premier League is the toughest league in the world to play in. The demands are unrelenting.
“I think Raul was ready for the demands of Premier League football after his experiences playing in Spain and Portugal.
“He realised that playing in the Premier League was another chance for him to demonstrate his qualities in Europe, and a chance he couldn’t afford to squander.
“Not many Mexican players are successful in Europe. It’s a massive achievement to have played in three of the continent’s best leagues.”
Jimenez’s goal in the last 16 win over Ecuador, his second of the tournament, took him past Borgetti and into second place in Mexico’s list of goalscorers.
With 47 strikes, he is behind only former Manchester United striker , who managed 52.
Now Jimenez faces the country he has called home for eight years in the biggest game of his life.
Borgetti said: “He has done a great job understanding his role and helping the team, not just with goals, but also through his presence, experience, and leadership.
“He has successfully guided the team to this stage, so hopefully, we can keep moving in the right direction and he can continue to contribute with his footballing ability and goals.
“This game goes beyond just playing against England; it is primarily about playing at the stadium in front of the home crowd and delivering a great performance – both individually and as a team – for the fans.
“Where does he rank among the legends of Mexican football? I think we should wait until he finishes his career before we evaluate that.
“But Raul is greatly admired and much loved in Mexico
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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