Barcelona player Rafael Márquez gave an interview to FIFA’s official website.Rafael, why have you decided to end your silence after you got criticized in recent weeks for the red card you received in the World qualifying match against USA in February?
I just thought the time was right. First of all, because I can't go to Mexico this week. I'm suspended and I can't play, but I really wanted to go and support my team-mates. I also think it's unfair that people are trying to pin the blame on me for the bad results we've been having. If you ask me, Mexican football has a deep-rooted problem. Our football is stagnating, if we carry on like this we're all going to pay for it.
What do you mean exactly?
There are a lot of things that are going on and we need to analyse them closely to find out why they're happening. It's almost like we're trying to shoot ourselves in the foot. Sometimes the press seem to be trying to outdo each other and publish the most trashy stories to sell more papers. That doesn't help the national team.
What role do the players play in all this?
Sometimes I feel we're being left to fend for ourselves. At the same time, though, I'm aware that it's up to us to put things right and to work with what we've got at the moment. We need to give it our all and go all out to qualify.
It has been just over a month now since you were sent off against USA. How do you feel about it?
I've calmed done about it now. The first few days were very tough. I made a mistake but I've been going over it in my mind and learning from the experience. I'm focusing on my club at the moment, I'm in good shape, we're still in all three competitions and we've got a good chance of winning them all. Of course, I'm sad that I'm not with the national team right now and that's mainly because I asked permission to travel despite the suspension. I wasn't allowed to go, though.
Some people in Mexico have even questioned your love for the shirt.
If that were really the case, I'd have turned my back on the national team a long time ago. I'm still proud to represent my country, I love fighting for my country, I've been in every national side from the youth teams up and I'm never going to let Mexico down again. I made a mistake, that's true. I'm an aggressive player and that's one of my flaws, and because of that I get mad and lose control. But I'm learning to channel that energy now. I don't care about negative opinions because they come from people who don't know anything about football.
Despite everything do you think Mexico will be at South Africa 2010?
I've got no doubts about that. Of course, we will. I'm convinced we'll qualify for the World Cup. We have to make the most of the fact that we've got a good generation of young players and that there's some experienced players to back them up.
It will be 3am in Barcelona when the game against Costa Rica kicks off. Will you be staying up to watch it?
Yes, yes. I've got to watch the game. I've no option but to.
What message do you have for the fans back in Mexico?
They need to trust in us. We need their support more than ever and all I ask of them is that they don't read too much into what certain sections of the media might be saying. They really go over the top. I know we've got magnificent fans and there's bound to be a full house at the Estadio Azteca.
Is there anything you want to add on a personal note?
Yes, of course. I can't guarantee that I'll never get sent off again, but I'll be doing everything in my power to ensure I never let the people of Mexico down again. I've been through a lot and I've learnt things along the way. It was a very tough situation and I can honestly say that I won't let it happen ever again.
read the complete interview here
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