Mexico international Guillermo Ochoa said he is grateful to finally have a chance to start as goalkeeper for Malaga and added that he feels his patience and hard work have paid off.
The World Cup 2014 star finally has his chance to impress in La Liga following the news that regular Malaga goalkeeper Carlos Kameni will be out for six weeks after surgery.
Ochoa, who played only in Copa del Rey matches last season and signed on a free transfer after the World Cup, made his Spanish first division debut this past weekend against Deportivo La Coruna -- coming on in the 37th minute for Kameni -- and let in three goals in the 3-3 draw, although Ochoa was not directly at fault for the goals.
He was a reported transfer target this past January, but opted to bid his time in La Liga. During a news conference on Wednesday, he said: "Just because there are obstacles in your path does not mean you should give up on your dream."
MCFNews| @yosoy8a: "No por encontrarte obstáculos tienes que renunciar a tus sueños" ➡ https://t.co/TNiWXS7fz6 pic.twitter.com/07ZyZ1SAg2
- Málaga CF (@MalagaCF) March 9, 2016
He said he felt it was important to be patient, even though the former Ajaccio goalkeeper admitted that he wouldn't wish an injury on any player.
"I am happy because this opens up a possibility, even though it is not ideal, I am ready," he said. "I have believed in myself since I arrived in Europe in France. Since I left Mexico I knew this would not be easy because there is no precedent for Mexican goalkeepers in Europe."
The playing time will also help Ochoa at international level to challenge Alfredo Talavera as the No. 1 for Mexico's Copa America Centenario squad. Coach Juan Carlos Osorio has said that Talavera has the ability to play in the Premier League, but he has also been consistently positive about Ochoa.
Ochoa said he had not spoken about his struggles prior to Wednesday's conference because he wanted to be cautious.
"I have tried to be as prudent as possible and to do what is best for the club," he said. "Before this chance, I helped the team indirectly in the day-to-day, during training and travel. But now I can do it directly by playing in the matches and helping us achieve our team goals."
Regarding comments from Mexico media outlets directly critical of Kameni, Ochoa said: "These things are out of my control. I do not say them."
"I have tried to be patient. No one expected me to get to this level but all this time I have tried to play and behave at the level of my teammates, both on and off the field," he said.