Michael Amir Murillo departed for training camp with Panama ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup following Saturday's draw. He joins teammate Fidel Escobar, who has already been training with the “Los Canaleros” since early last week.
Logging a full 90 against Philadelphia in a 0-0 draw, Murillo was excited to join the Panama camp as the nation experiences their first ever World Cup.
“It’s an indescribable happiness,” Murillo said. “Everything that represents going to the World Cup, representing your country and being one of the 23 warriors.”
Murillo is expecting Panama to push each of their opponents in their group to the limit.
“First of all, we have to respect the opposition,” Murillo said, speaking of Belgium, England and Tunisia. “We have to respect them, respect their quality and if you respect them, then hopefully we can get the results that we need.”
Familiarity and cohesion on the day will be the push Panama needs to make this World Cup even more memorable than it already is.
“I know everyone in the group," Murillo said. "I know what the setting is like, based on what we’ve been through and what this represents to the whole group.”
