"My two dreams are to be Mexico coach and to return to Barca"

Rafael Marquez said Thursday that he will leave the Barcelona Atletic coaching post to join Javier Aguirre's coaching staff at the Mexican national team with the promise that at the end of the 2026 World Cup, he will take up the position that brings him closer to his goal of coaching Barcelona.

"I wouldn't detract from the value of the national team and the work you can do at a World Cup, which is seen by the whole world. Both as an assistant today and in the next World Cup cycle, it's my main showcase. I do not doubt that if I do a great job tomorrow, I could have a chance at Barcelona," he told 'EFE' in his presentation as Aguirre's assistant.

Marquez, who was Barca's centre-back for seven seasons, considered that being on Aguirre's staff will be taking a "master class" with what he considers to be the best Mexican coach in history.

"I have two great dreams, one is to be coach of the national team and the other is to be able to return to Barcelona, I am still in my parameters and process and I will learn a lot from Javier, I take the challenge with great importance," added Marquez.

Marquez, who after a career that is considered one of the most successful for a Mexican footballer, began his career as a tactician in Spain, where he trained to manage, first in the youth teams of RSD Alcala and from July 2022 in Barca Atletic, which in two years was close to promotion to the Second Division.