Ventura Alvarado says he's open to playing for the USMNT and Mexico

Ventura Alvarado doesn't necessarily want to play for Mexico. The Club America defender says he's open to playing for the United States and Mexico.

"I would love to play for the national team, both the US or Mexico," Alvarado told MLS Soccer. "I’d be so happy if they called me."

According to a report out of Mexico last month, Alvarado had no interest in playing for the U.S. and was focused on trying to make El Tri. Either that report was wrong or he has changed his mind.

Alvarado was born in Phoenix, AZ to Mexican parents and moved to Mexico to play for Club America at the age of 15. He was a good player in the America academy and had a nice loan to Necaxa before heading back to Mexico City in the summer. Now 22 years old, it was time for him for him to contribute to the America first team.

Alvarado rarely played during the season, but when manager Antonio Mohamed decided to shake up the back line before the Liguilla semifinals, the Mexican-American was tapped to play right back. Capable of playing anywhere along the backline, but more often a centerbacks, Alvarado played excellently on the right. He earned another start in the second leg and, with America set for the final, Alvarado figures to start again with the Liga MX Apertura on the line.

It's amazing how far Alvarado has come in the last few weeks. Once a marginal prospect who needed to establish himself at the club level before getting a look internationally, the U.S. and Mexico may both look to give him a look in the near future. And he's willing to listen to both.

Asked if he thinks Jurgen Klinsmann is watching, he said "I hope so. I’m going to keep it in mind that he watches and do a great job."

So Alvarado is back in play for the U.S. Or was never out of play. Whatever the case, he'll listen, and if he can make his Liguilla semifinal play the norm then he may have a decision to make.