Manuel Reyes (25) studied at the Catholic University and in 2015 he played in the Chile Under-17 World Cup with La Rosa. After that, the midfielder went on loan to teams such as Rangers and Lautaro De Buin, but his career never took off as expected. However, in 2022, an unexpected opportunity came his way: a representative offered him to play for Manitoba, a Canadian team competing in USL League Two in the United States. Due to his good performance, he was called again in 2023.
“I came to Canada last year. Then I went back to Chile and now I’m back in Winnipeg. A representative gave me the opportunity to come and play in this league, which is semi-professional,” Reyes says in a conversation with AS.
– How would you describe the league you are playing in?
– Financially, they don’t pay everyone, but in infrastructure it’s like first class: nice clothes, quality pitches and optimal concentration. Now we live in a house of five players. They give us food and many other things.
– Do you have more Latino players in your team?
– Yes, there are many Latino players, even some Chileans. I met them here, they are Chilean kids who live in these parts.
– Why did you go to Canada? Were you disillusioned with football in Chile?
– Yes, I was somewhat disappointed with the football in Chile. Because Sometimes you have to have contacts to join a team. Well, the reality of Chilean football is just… but this opportunity came to me with a fresh wind, in another country and it seemed like a great experience. I preferred to come from there to test myself in teams.
– And how is life in Canada?
– I don’t know anything about English. I learned something last year, now I understand a little more, but speaking of it, nothing (laughs). The city is quiet, many people say that it is big, because it is very quiet. It is very cold and we are in summer.
– What caught your attention in the city?
– Order. Everyone respects the rules, even the speed on the road. If you have to go 50 kilometers an hour, you go 50 kilometers. If there’s a stop disc, it stops…
– What plans do you have for the future?
– What I would like is to reach the First Division of Canada or be seen in a league in the United States. I think if I go back to Chile it will be for the first B or the second team that is fighting at the top, because the rest already have money problems: they don’t pay your salary and you End like life. ,
– Would you like to stay and live there?
– Yes, I would like to live and live here. The lifestyle is much better than in Chile.
Manuel Reyes and his memories of the Under-17 World Cup in Chile
Manuel Reyes played in four matches in the 2015 U-17 World Cup. The former UC player started in La Rosa’s 4-1 win over the United States. There, “Manu” shared with players such as Zacarías López, Ignacio Saavedra, Yerko Leiva, Marcelo Allende and Gabriel Mazuela, among others.
What are your memories of the World Cup?
– I remember my classmates, how we lived together. I didn’t get to play much, but the experience of playing for Chile in front of packed stadiums is great. The group that was formed was very good.
– Did you feel that your career could have been better after the World Cup?
Obviously it always seems that after you play the World Cup you will do better, but at 18 I had knee surgery, then I went on loan and then I started declining.
– If you can’t live in Canada, is retirement an option?
No, not retirement. I’ll always think about playing in Chili’s or whatever comes along. I’m too young to retire now.
