After spending 6 seasons together at Pachuca, Argentine defensive midfielder Christian Gimenez has reunited with head coach Enrique Meza at Cruz Azul and looking to bring the Mexican title back to “Los Cementeros” for the first time since 1997.

Via Goal

“I’ve spoken to him. He’s happy and I feel the same way because he is a person I admire immensely, whom I respect a lot,” Gimenez told Reforma. “To be able to work with him again is a pleasure for me. I’m going to enjoy it and take advantage of the chance.”

With Pachuca, Gimenez was a key player and helped the club win domestic and international trophies. Now with Cruz Azul, Gimenez said he hopes to be a key player and live up to everyone’s expectations.”

“I have to try and respond to my teammates, the coaching staff, the front office and the supporters. This is the goal I have set for myself. As a team, the goal is to be among the better teams and to be champion”

Cruz Azul have reached three of the last four league finals but have lost all three of them, most recently to Monterrey. Cruz Azul have not won a title since 1997, but Gimenez said joining the club was a great step for him.

“To come to Cruz Azul is an important challenge in my career,” he said, “but I am taking it with professionalism, and a lot of enthusiasm and expectations.”

Gimenez has some history with Cruz Azul. In 2001, Gimenez was a member of Argentina giants Boca Juniors and started the Copa Libertadores 2001 final, played in La Bombonera against Cruz Azul. Gimenez’s agent, Marcelo Delgado, also played in that match, and later played for Cruz Azul.

Image via MedioTiempo