[Sport] Alexi, the young scorer that Chile and Sweden fight: "It is a pride"

[FNX Magokiler]

Hughes (15) has Chilean parents. In 2019 he was invited to the Red, and this 2020 he was summoned to a micro-cycle of the European Selection. He is the top scorer in his competition.

Alexander Hughes is only 15 years old, but he already sees a question that he will have to answer in the future. As happened with Sebastián Soto, Niklas Castro or Benjamín Galdames, among others, the young footballer will have to choose a National Team: he, for Chile or Sweden. Hughes was born in February 2005 in Malmö, but has Chilean parents. In fact, he has visited the country five times. In 2019 he was summoned by Cristian Leiva to the Red Sub 15, and this 2020 he was nominated for a microcycle of the European Selection.

Alexi, as he has been nicknamed since he was little, is left-handed and plays in the Under 16 of the Trelleborgs FF in Sweden. He is currently the top scorer in the youth league with seven goals and his name is among the 90 'foreign promises' that Chile has in its portfolio. But Sweden also observes it: "It is something very important for my football career", he relates in dialogue with AS. Although it is not closed to any possibility for the next few years, there is an evident inclination: "My big dream is to play for Chile," he says.

 

 

- What does Chile mean to you?
- Much because my parents were born there. They have always instilled in me customs and values. Language, for example, has been important to my personal development. My parents require me to speak Spanish at home. When I was younger, I went to my parents and grandparents together on several occasions. I really like the country. It is very warm and the people are very friendly. And the food is amazing!

- How was the experience of being in the Red Sub 15?
- The experience was exciting. I felt a lot of pride when I put on the Chilean clothes. I was in Quilín with my colleagues, they were all very nice. The coaches and workers are very professional. I learned that the 'coaches' are called 'profes' and the rest 'aunt or uncle' (laughs). It is like a big family. I remember that I played a game against Cobresal and scored a great goal. I was also called up in two friendlies against Brazil.

- Are you inspired by a Chilean footballer?
- I like the claw of (Arturo) Vidal and the technique of Alexis Sánchez. My dream has always been to play in one of the big leagues in Europe and be in the Red. Hopefully I can fulfill it, just like Alexis, who is my image to follow.