Carlos Vela: I won't make passport mistake again

Carlos Vela has revealed he takes his passport to bed to stop him from repeating his Barcelona nightmare.

Mirror Sport revealed last month how Mexican forward Vela lost his passport and missed Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final trip to Barcelona which would have been the biggest night of his career.

But Arsenal starlet Vela jokingly said he keeps his passport with him at all times now and sleeps with it to stop him from scoring another own goal ahead of next month's World Cup finals.

Vela said: "It was difficult because it was a big match and a big opportunity for me, but these things happen.

"Normally I do not worry. But I will have to make sure I will not be going to South Africa in a suitcase. I have it here with me. I even sleep on it to make sure I have it!"

Vela was punished and made to train on his own after missing the Champions League defeat in the Nou Camp but is determined to force his way back into the Arsenal first team next season.

But Vela also believes Mexico are in good shape for the World Cup and says England provided them with a good test before their Group game with France.

Vela added: "France a are a big team and have some fantastic players. England have some great players too in Rooney and Gerrard and it was important for Mexico to play against the top teams.

"I'm very excited. It is a dream to play in the World Cup. It is what you work towards every day for your country. The World Cup is an important competition and every day I train hard.

"Mexico played some fantastic football in the first half against England but unfortunately for us, England are a team full of fantastic players and they are very dangerous.

"Theo Walcott is a fantastic player and improves everyday and is an important player for England.

"Normally England are very strong in defence but this was only a friendly game, it is not the same as when you are at the World Cup."