Attraction to a developing Deportivo side who fought off competition to sign the Mexican international
Signed for around 7 million Euros while playing in the 2007 Copa America for his native Mexico, left-winger Guardardo has quickly become the main attraction in an improving Deportivo side. Known for his long, rapid dribbling runs and ferocious shot, Guardardo settled in Galicia almost immediately, enjoying a superb 2007-08 season in which he formed an industrious partnership with left-back Luis Filipe.
Born in Guadalajara, the location of the World Cup Final of 1970, Guardardo began playing professionally for FC Atlas. His talents alerted a number of European giants, and Deportivo had to beat more alluring prospects such as Real Madrid, Sevilla and Internazionale to secure his signature. Guardardo’s lightning start to his Depor career was abruptly stalled when he contracted an injury before the final months of the 2007-08 season. Though Guardardo has become Depor’s star player very quickly, his ability is continually admired by the big clubs in Serie A and La Liga, prompting fears that the club will struggle to keep him in Galicia for long. Guardardo is already a regular for the Mexican national side, having first been included in the squad for the 2006 World Cup. Guardardo started Mexico’s second round match against Argentina, but sadly limped off in the second half, unable to stop Argentina’s extra-time victory. Guardardo also impressed in the CONCACAF Gold Cup the following summer.