Phoenix, AZ.—It has been almost 10 years since Chivas last visited Arizona, so their presence in the state to compete in the 2025 Tour Rebaño edition of El Clásico de México has caused great excitement and anticipation among residents of this desert region. This includes the state's governor, Katie Hobbs, who welcomed El Rebaño Sagrado and the Águilas to her office in the State Capitol Executive Tower on Friday to thank them for bringing the most important match in Mexican soccer to the state.
Richard Ledezma, José Castillo, and Teun Wilke reciprocated the governor's kind gesture by presenting her with a Rojiblanco jersey bearing her surname and the number 48, which is the state's entry number into the Union. For his part, Javier Mier, Sports Director of Club Guadalajara, presented her with a piece made especially for the occasion by an artist from the Wixárika community: a goat made of resin and decorated with red, white, and blue beads, gestures that moved Governor Hobbs.
"Welcome to Arizona, to the Governor's office. We are very honored by your visit and by the fact that the Clásico de México is being played here. We know that soccer brings people together, and many people from all over the state will come to watch the game. I hope that during your stay you enjoy everything we have to offer. Thank you very much for being in Arizona," said Katie Hobbs.
After her speech, the governor presented the players from both teams and the executives in attendance with a commemorative coin from the State of Arizona, and they then posed for the classic souvenir photo.
_6.15_.24 p_.m_._.png)
After the formalities, the Rojiblancos players spoke to the local media in a mixed zone, where they shared their confidence that Saturday night's sporting spectacle at State Farm Stadium will satisfy all the Chivahermanos who attend.
Quotes from Richard Ledezma
"It's very special for me. It's the first time I've played professionally here in Arizona. My family will be here for the game, and it will be really cool. I can't wait for the game to start."
"It's an honor for me to represent Mexican Americans. I consider it something very special."
Quotes from José Castillo
"It doesn't matter where it's played, a classic has a nice component because of the historic rivalry, and the fact that it's here in the United States makes it very special because of the number of people who will be in the stadium. We hope to put on a great show."
"We are very honored by the warm welcome, and we hope to repay the governor's kindness with a good game this weekend."
Quotes from Teun Wilke
"We've had some positive results in the tournament. This is a friendly match that will help us continue preparing for the end of the tournament. We are a united and healthy group, and I know that we will be stronger at the end of the tournament."
