Carlos Vela received the support of his teammates after scoring twice in his return to the Mexican squad after a lengthy absence.
Vela was the difference in Mexico's 3-2 win over Netherlands on Wednesday. Vela played in his first game for Mexico since March 2011, and scored his first international goals since June 2010.
Mexico suspended and fined Vela for off-the-pitch activities in 2010, and after he left Arsenal to join Real Sociedad the following year, Vela was reluctant to return to Mexico to play for the national team.
He declined to play in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2012 Olympics (in which Mexico won the gold medal), and as Mexico struggled to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, Vela again turned down invitations to join the team.
But that's all in the past, as strike partner Javier Hernandez welcomed him back to the squad on Wednesday.
Vela's scoring prowess has been well demonstrated with Real Sociedad, but Hernandez also hailed his teammate's hustle and willingness to track back in the middle of the pitch.
"We understood each other very well since we played with Chivas [youth teams]," Hernandez said. "Back then. we knew one from the other and we re-connected, and it was quite easy to do so. But I don't expect my teammates to adapt to me, instead I am obligated to participate in the manner they need me to."
Hernandez also said he was not concerned with Vela potentially taking playing time away from him at the top of Mexico's attack.
"Carlos is a great player and he made it to the national team to provide all that he has. We've all seen him as the teammate we've always had," Hernandez said.
"And we know he is going to continue to provide those benefits to the national team. So now the issue is not for us, the challenge is for [manager] Miguel [Herrera]. The problem is for him because we are offering our best effort and our desire to be starters in all the matches. All that effort benefits the national team."
Captain Andres Guardado said Vela's actions spoke for themselves.
"There is nothing to say about Carlos Vela," Guardado said. "His best word was left on the pith. He scored two goals, played great and helped the team. He collaborated in the overall effort of the group. He spoke clearly on the pitch.
"There on the pitch, Carlos gives his best speech."
Guardado also said he felt that the common portrayal of Vela as selfish and disgruntled is misplaced.
"It seems like a wrong image of him has been created," Guardado said. "I can tell you he is a joker, a player who enjoys talking with everybody, joking with all of us and when the time comes to work, he works with all of us and when the time comes to demand, he is there with all of us."
