Dani Rojas hasn’t been confirmed to return for AFC Richmond’s next season, but Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez is headed back to the training pitch after signing for a professional soccer club in Mexico.
Following a two-month trial with second division team Paso Locomotive, Fernandez signed a contract with the USL Championship team. He had trialed with MLS side Chicago Fire earlier this year.
The 35-year-old Fernandez started his soccer career in Mexico aged 15, but injury ended curtailed his career.
He later moved to London, where he was cast in Ted Lasso, Apple TV‘s comedy-drama starring Jason Sudeikis as an American who becomes coach of an English top division team with little to no experience.
“ has always been a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” said Fernández. “I’m incredibly grateful to El Paso Locomotive FC – the club, coaches, staff, and especially my teammates – for opening the doors and giving me the opportunity to compete from day one.
“This journey back to professional fútbol soccer is about believing in yourself, taking risks, and continuing to chase your dreams no matter how unexpected the path may be. Because as we say in Mexico: hay que seguirle echando ganas – let’s keep giving it our all. Siempre agradecido con Dios, mi familia y amistades por creer en mí. Maybe I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams… so being here with the Locos actually makes perfect sense. ¡Vamos Locos!”
In Ted Lasso, Fernandez has played cheerful and passionate Mexican striker Dani Rojas in all three seasons to date. Filming on Season 4 of the show, which also stars the likes of Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein, began last July.
With the storyline shifting to a women’s team, we have reported that cast members from the men’s team such as Fernandez and Phil Dunster may make guest appearances. Globally, the new season will drop on August 5 with new episodes dropping weekly thereafter on Wednesdays.
