With Rodolfo Pizarro now officially a member of Inter Miami CF, the expansion club's new signing revealed some of the motivating factors behind his move to MLS on Monday.
In an interview with TUDN, Pizarro said that he had discussions with both San Jose Earthquakes coach Matias Almeyda (who previously managed Pizarro at Liga MX side Chivas Guadalajara), as well as former Atlanta United boss and current Mexico head coach Tata Martino prior to the move. According to Pizarro, Martino spoke highly of the league's quality.
"I first spoke with Matias Almeyda and then with Tata Martino about joining MLS," Pizarro said. "Tata said the league was at the same level as Liga MX.
"Many more Mexicans will come to MLS," he added. "As time goes by, more Mexican [players] want to come here. It's a fact. ...It's not about comparing Liga MX to MLS. We're not enemies. It's not about figuring out which is better and which one is worse. We have to enjoy them both."
Another motivating factor, Pizarro said, was the reunion with Inter Miami head coach Diego Alonso, who he previously played under at both Pachuca and Monterrey in Liga MX.
"Diego Alonso was an important factor in my decision to come to Miami," he said. "He taught me that winning — at whatever the cost — is most important. Wherever he is, he will compete and aspire to win a championship."
Miami could still make at least one more high-profile addition to the roster before the start of the season, but in Pizarro, the hope is that the first major piece to a winning expansion season is now in place. Pizarro carries plenty of pedigree from his time in Liga MX, with one of the most valuable aspects of his resume being his pair of Concacaf Champions League titles that he won with Chivas in 2017 and Monterrey last season.
Should Inter Miami qualify for future editions of the tournament, Pizarro says he has big goals for that as well.
