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Liga MX: Gignac wants to stay in Mexico

By Gabe Martinez

Tigres' Andre Pierre Gignac celebrates after scoring against Monterrey during the second leg of the quarterfinal of the Mexican Clausura 2016 tournament football match at the BBVA Bancomer stadium in Monterrey, Mexico on May, 14, 2016. / AFP / Julio Cesar Aguilar Fuentes (Photo credit should read JULIO CESAR AGUILAR FUENTES/AFP/Getty Images)
Tigres' Andre Pierre Gignac celebrates after scoring against Monterrey during the second leg of the quarterfinal of the Mexican Clausura 2016 tournament football match at the BBVA Bancomer stadium in Monterrey, Mexico on May, 14, 2016. / AFP / Julio Cesar Aguilar Fuentes (Photo credit should read JULIO CESAR AGUILAR FUENTES/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Andre-Pierre Gignac wants to do more than just stay in Mexico, he wants to become a citizen.

In a recent interview, Gignac revealed to IFAL (Instituto Francés de América Latina) that he would like to become a naturalized citizen. It was love at first sight for him and is very happy to not only be playing in Monterrey for Tigres, but also loves to be in Mexico.

Gignac feels that he is now an ambassador for France in Mexico and thinks he can help bring more talent to Liga MX.

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“It is a privilege, because my intention when I arrived in Mexico it was to bolster Mexico’s league and make people more aware of the football being played here. It’s about showing people how great France is and how great Mexico is, said Gignac. “When I have the privilege to back to my national team, teammates ask me about not only the league, but also the country and the people. I always say good things, because it is what I really feel. This country captivated me.”

Gignac was also asked about improving athletic relations between France and Mexico.

“I hope I can open doors to other French players, not only with Tigres, but all of Liga MX. I know of former teammates and colleagues who are interested in Mexico for its quality of life.”

It was big news when Gignac signed with Tigres a year ago making him the biggest international signing in Liga MX in quite some time. Gignac was making waves in Europe leading Marseille for five years leading the French club to multiple Europa League and Champions League appearances.

Gignac took all 59 goals he scored for Marseille and headed West to Mexico. He stated he wanted to bring a tough-minded winning attitude to his new club Tigres; his first two objectives? Win Liga MX and win Copa Libertadores. He was able to lead the charge winning Apertura 2015, and fell just shy of winning Copa Libertadores losing in the final to River Plate.

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Andre-Pierre Gignac, is much more than a football player, he’s an ambassador of the game and a true example of someone who is looking to link the global game.

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