Cuauhtemoc Blanco is returning to the Liga MX to play in an official match with Club America next month.
In a move that would not seem out of place on April Fool's Day, or its Mexican equivalent , el dia de los Santos Inocentes, Las Aguilas have registered the 43-year-old Blanco with shirt No. 100 for a special farewell inside the Estadio Azteca. He will play between 30 and 45 minutes of an official Liga MX match against Morelia in Week 9 of the present Clausura 2016 tournament on March 5.
Comunicado oficial ¡Despedida @cuauhtemocb10! →https://t.co/Lz53T23yO8#100AñosDeGrandeza pic.twitter.com/Erz9MGGclU
- Club América (@ClubAmerica) February 22, 2016
"In this celebration year, in our Centennial, we recognize someone who was born, raised and gave everything in defense of our great club," a club statemen read, while the Liga MX confirmed that El Cuau has been registered.
Blanco is a club legend and was unhappy he couldn't end his career at America, blaming sporting president Ricardo Pelaez for not letting him return. Now the veteran of three World Cups will get his wish, almost a year since he retired after the Copa MX final for Puebla against Chivas, which La Franja won.
"He asked for this, he wants to play, wants to be on the pitch, to feel the shirt, the fans and there will be a homage at halftime with his family," Pelaez said in an interview with TDN.
The charismatic and often controversial former Mexico international played 120 games for El Tri. He decided to move into politics after he retired from the game, winning the election to become mayor of the town of Cuernavaca, a position he still holds.