Guido Pizarro, the Argentinian midfielder currently playing for Sevilla, finds himself at a career crossroads, balancing present club commitments in La Liga with lingering affections for his past in Liga MX and ambitious dreams on the international stage. While his journey has been marked by challenges and changes, Pizarro’s focus remains steadfast on contributing to Sevilla’s success.
Pizarro’s move to Sevilla in the summer was initially promising, aligning him with the project of Eduardo Berizzo, the coach who brought him to the club. This move seemed strategically timed, especially considering Jorge Sampaoli, Berizzo’s predecessor at Sevilla, had just taken over as Argentina’s national team boss. For Guido Pizarro, the 2018 World Cup appeared within reach. His performances with Tigres in Liga MX had already earned him Argentina national team call-ups, culminating in his debut in March of the previous year.
However, Pizarro’s Sevilla experience took an unexpected turn. An injury hampered his initial integration, disrupting his momentum. Further complicating matters, Berizzo faced a serious health battle, being diagnosed with cancer and subsequently dismissed shortly after his return from surgery. The arrival of Vincenzo Montella as the new manager brought further adjustments, and Guido Pizarro has since been navigating the challenges of securing consistent playing time under the new regime.
Despite these hurdles, Guido Pizarro has demonstrated resilience and professionalism. A testament to his determination was his appearance as a substitute in Sevilla’s crucial first-leg draw against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. This moment underscored his commitment to the club and his aspirations to play a key role as Sevilla aimed for a historic qualification to the next round at Old Trafford.
Prior to Sevilla’s Champions League journey, rumors swirled in Monterrey suggesting a potential return to Liga MX for Guido Pizarro. The speculation connected him with a move back to Tigres, where he had previously established himself as a star, earning two Liga MX Best XI awards and two league titles. Pizarro acknowledged the veracity of these rumors, admitting the possibility of a Tigres return was real, particularly after Berizzo’s departure.
“The reality is that what happened is what already came out. There was the chance to return to Tigres and with the departure of Berizzo, who was who had brought me here, it was a real possibility at one time,” Pizarro revealed in an interview with Goal. However, he emphasized his present commitment: “The truth is I’m really happy (at Sevilla), very thankful to the club and as I’ve always said I have to give everything I have in me to support where I’m at now.”
While dedicated to Sevilla, Guido Pizarro openly cherishes his memories of his time with Tigres and under the guidance of coach Tuca Ferretti. His bond with the club remains strong, stating he would “never” play for another team in Mexico, leaving the door open exclusively for a Tigres homecoming. “Tigres is always going to be in my heart. God will say when I return, but meanwhile I want to enjoy and take advantage of where I am,” Pizarro expressed, highlighting his enduring affection for the Mexican club.
Guido Pizarro’s reflections on Liga MX extend beyond personal sentiment. He offered insightful perspectives on the growing landscape of North American soccer, comparing Liga MX to MLS. While acknowledging MLS’s growth and potential, Pizarro currently views Liga MX as holding a higher competitive standing. “I feel that right now Liga MX is several steps above, but hopefully they keep growing. They have the economic power and infrastructure like other important federations. It will take some time, but they’ll end up being important leagues,” Pizarro commented, recognizing the upward trajectory of both leagues on the global football stage.
Adding another layer to the Sevilla narrative, Miguel Layun, a prominent Mexican international, joined the club during the same transfer window. Layun, despite his consistent performances for Mexico, had faced limited playing time at Porto. Interestingly, Monterrey, Tigres’local rival, had reportedly shown interest in Layun. However, Pizarro emphasized that Layun’s move to Sevilla elevates his status among Mexican players in Europe.
“I thought it was fantastic. He’s a player with a lot of experience who has come in from a big team like Porto,” Pizarro stated, praising Layun’s move. “The reality is of the Mexicans playing, he’s the only one who plays in one of Europe’s biggest clubs. I’m wishing him the best of luck and hope he can stay here for many years. As a teammate and someone who knows what Mexico is as a country, he represents his country well, represents his culture well with the good person that he is and how he gets along with everyone. He does the country proud.”
Ultimately, Guido Pizarro’s professional aspirations also encompass representing Argentina on the grandest stage, the World Cup. While acknowledging the shifting landscape and the challenges he has faced at Sevilla, Pizarro remains focused on the present. “I try to avoid thinking about it. I try to live each day at Sevilla, play well and then, God will say if I return,” he concluded, encapsulating his current mindset of prioritizing his Sevilla performance while remaining open to future possibilities, whether in Europe or a potential return to the Liga MX club that holds a special place in his heart.
