Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela will not be available for selection to Mexico's national squad during this year's World Cup, according to the Mexican Football Federation.
The 24-year-old has not featured in any of his country's matches since 2011 after a breakdown of relationship between the two parties. In September 2010, he was suspended for six months following allegations that he and his team-mate Efrain Juarez held a party at a hotel.
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Relations took a turn for the worse when Vela announced that he would not participate at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and also said that he did not want to be selected for the 2012 Olympics, which was won by Mexico.
A statement posted on the federation site stated: "Vela says he is not 100% mentally and emotionally ready."
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Mexico manager Miguel Herrera, along with national team director Hector Gonzalez Inarritu and federation officials, met the player in Madrid on Monday to discuss his availability.
Vela is currently the number one choice up front for his club side Real Sociedad, having scored nine goals in 21 La Liga appearances so far.
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