Carlos Vela again turns down Mexico offer

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Real Sociedad striker Carlos Vela has rejected another chance to play for Mexico's World Cup team.

Vela is often considered Mexico's top player, but hasn't played for the national team since February 2011. He met Monday with coach Miguel Herrera and other Mexican officials to discuss the World Cup, but Herrera said Vela "did not show the kind of dedication" required to play for the national team.

The Mexican federation said in a statement that "therefore, Carlos Vela will not be called up."

Vela declined to play for Mexico's Gold Cup team in 2011 after falling out with then-national team coach Jose Manuel de la Torre. Despite De la Torre's dismissal, Vela has maintained his stance and says he is focusing on his career with the Spanish club.

Vela explained his reasoning in a statement on Monday.

"In this process that has been developing for the next World Cup, I have not been 100 percent mentally ready to represent (Mexico) — or form part of the representation — and give it the maximum it deserves," Vela said.