Marcelo Allende stays committed to Sundowns after Club World Cup spotlight

Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales. Photo credit: Mamelodi Sundowns

Marcelo Allende has confirmed his dedication to Mamelodi Sundowns, despite the widespread attention the Tshwane giants' players garnered during their recent participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Sundowns garnered significant attention during the global tournament, bowing out despite accumulating four points in Group F, finishing behind eventual group winners Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense.

Allende, a key figure in Sundowns' midfield, emphasised his desire to continue delivering his best for the club.

"I enjoy playing with these types of players and with this type of team that we have," Allende shared. "We have an idea, and this is so important for a player to keep the confidence. And this type of tournament is amazing, we are so happy to have been here, and I think we deserved to be here [after what we did] last season."

Off the back of his impressive performances on the global stage, the 26-year-old midfielder is now hopeful of earning a call-up to his native Chile national team.

"I hope – it's my dream, it's the dream of every player to play for their national team, and I'm waiting," he admitted. "What can I say, they will take the decision, and I don't know [if I'll be chosen]."

Allende expressed disappointment over their Club World Cup exit, especially given their strong showing of a win, a draw, and only one loss in the group stage.

"I think we could have gone to the next stage, the level is high, but I think we take the experience of having played here with big, big teams, and that will be experience for the whole team, all the players and technical staff," he reflected. "But now it's time to rest and start thinking about the future and what it might hold."

Allende's dedication to Sundowns, coupled with his national team aspirations, paints an exciting picture for both the player and the club in the upcoming season.