Chivas USA not actively after Guadalajara's Morales

After Chivas de Guadalajara president Rafael Lebrija said longtime Chivas player Ramon Morales may move to Chivas USA soon, Chivas USA officials tempered some of those comments.

Chivas USA co-owner Antonio Cue said Morales is not exactly packing his bags and heading north quite yet.

"We have not made a formal offer because we are waiting for the right time," Cue told Guadalajara daily Mural. "The most important thing now is for the manager to see what he needs."

Morales fell out of favor with Guadalajara officials; at one point, Chivas owner Jorge Vergara said Morales would not play at all if he stayed with Guadalajara. But Morales has not gone anywhere despite such threats.

"Everybody talks about Ramon because he is an icon, a great player," Cue said. "But the same Ramon did not want to leave, not to Pachuca nor anywhere else. That's the reality of the situation."

While Chivas USA has not ardently pursued Morales, who has been with Guadalajara for more than a decade, it's not because of Morales' ability to play.

"Ramon's quality has never been in question," Cue said. "A player the caliber of Ramon, anyone would love to have. But what is important is for the manager to build the team to fill holes and needs in order to be champions."

Cue shot down the notion that Guadalajara would send Morales to Chivas USA as punishment, and that the only way Morales or any player would join the Southern California-based outfit would be if the player is committed to the club.

"This is a club that players want to join. In no way is this a punishment for anybody," Cue said. "Whoever does not want to be here will not be here, and those who want to be here, are. The front office will not accept anyone except people who are dedicated to the team and the institution." --Goal.com