Milito Opens Door for 'Hormiga' Gonzalez to Join Olympiacos

A forward sitting on the bench for 90 minutes usually doesn't say much. But when that forward is Armando 'Hormiga' Gonzalez and the opponent is Santos, it reads differently. Gabriel Milito didn't hide it either: the benching had a lot to do with the noise surrounding the striker's future.

The possibility of 'Hormiga' Gonzalez leaving Chivas for Olympiacos of Greece is no longer just a rumor. There's an offer on the table, still well below the player's release clause of 15 million dollars, but enough to put pressure on Verde Valle. And the Argentine coach, far from shutting the door, swung it wide open.

It's a possibility, and anything that makes players happy, I support and I'm in favor of it. If this possibility came together and 'Hormi' took that step, I'd be happy and it would be progress. I'd back the decision with a lot of happinessGabriel Milito

Milito himself explained why he decided to start the match against Santos with Ricardo Marin and close it out with Angel Sepulveda, leaving 'Hormiga' on the bench. It wasn't punishment or a message. According to him, it was a way to ease the anxiety of a player who knows his name is on everyone's lips for other reasons.

I preferred to start the match with Marin and finish with Sepu. Keep 'Hormi' calm, there's always extra anxiety, and we needed everyone focused on the game. Unconsciously, it distracts you. We'll see what happens this week: if 'Hormiga' stays, he'll play againGabriel Milito

No Reinforcements Even If He Leaves

What stands out is what comes next. Chivas currently has one of the most valuable rosters in Liga MX, and it wouldn't be strange to think a departure of this magnitude would force the club into the market. Milito ruled that out flatly.

In case he has to leave, the roster is closed, we don't need players. We have a very good squad, the team has had three great transfer windows. Whoever leaves, we're not interested in reinforcingGabriel Milito

The statement carries weight because, on paper, Chivas only has three natural center forwards on the first team roster: Armando Gonzalez, Angel Sepulveda and Ricardo Marin. If 'Hormiga' packs his bags, the club would have to fill that spot by looking to the academy, without going out to sign a new name in the market, just as the coach himself laid out.

For now, nothing is finalized. The Greek offer exists, but it's still below what the release clause of the forward, a World Cup player with Mexico with 2026 in mind, calls for, and negotiations between Chivas, Olympiacos and the player continue. What did become clear in Torreon is the club's stance: if 'Hormiga' decides to make the jump to Europe, there will be no resistance from the coaching staff.