Former Rangers midfielder Carlos Pena is standing for election as mayor of Leon in Mexico, pledging to use the lessons of a playing career that included a difficult spell at Ibrox to improve his adopted city.
The 36-year-old, who retired last year after spells in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, the UAE and Syria, is campaigning to become the city's next civic leader. His previous attempt to launch his own football academy failed.
A Difficult Spell at Rangers
Pena joined Rangers nine years ago in a £3 million move sanctioned by then-manager Pedro Caixinha, but his time in Glasgow proved disappointing. After two loan spells in Mexico blighted by self-confessed alcohol problems, his contract was terminated by mutual consent in February 2019.
The midfielder won 19 caps for Mexico and spent four years playing for Leon before moving to Scotland. He now wants to represent the city in a political capacity.
Repaying the Community
Pena said: "Much of my personal and professional life is deeply linked to Leon and I have received enormous support from the city during my career."
"Now it is time for me to repay the community. There are many problems affecting the town, including water scarcity, poor public transportation and poverty."
"My commitment to Leon didn't end on the football pitch. Throughout my life, I have had both successes and failures that have taught me valuable lessons. And I have made many mistakes too. My aim is to use my experience to make Leon a better city."
