On the Pitch
On the Pitch
The 27-year-old midfielder loves golf, fashion and giving back to his community
What was the first thing that you did when you woke up this morning?
Open my eyes and brush my teeth.
Do you use an electric or a manual toothbrush?
For me, I use manual.
What temperature do you keep the thermostat at at night?
I'd probably say 18°C (64°F).
What is the most outrageous thing that you have ever worn?
A cheetah-print tracksuit.
Do you still own the tracksuit?
I do still own the tracksuit. It's like a golden memorabilia for me.
How would you describe your style in one word?
I would probably say my style is oversized. I can switch it up — elegant, street style. A mix.
Is that a fashion trend that you're liking right now?
Oh, yeah. Oversized clothes are just much more comfortable, much more freedom whenever you want to move around. It's everything.
What is the best concert that you have ever been to?
Post Malone concert for sure.
What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
Who is the most underrated Harry Potter character?
If you could switch lives with one Harry Potter character, who would it be?
Ron Weasley.
I think just my love to work with kids. I have a big family. I have an older nephew that's 19, turning 20 this year, which is crazy. Just giving back to the community, giving back to people that are less fortunate. Not necessarily just about sports, but inspiring people to do something better.
Are you a soft smile or smile with teeth guy?
Smile with teeth.
What's one memory that is guaranteed to make you smile?
I think the first year that I moved to Europe and I got to come back for Christmas and spend it with my family.
You have played almost every position on the pitch. Which one is your favorite?
Number eight position. Box-to-box midfielder.
What was your favorite thing about living in Texas?
The barbecue.
Speaking of barbecue, what is your favorite side dish?
Macaroni and cheese. My mom makes amazing macaroni and cheese.
What has been your favorite part about living in Europe?
I think the culture and the fact that it's easy to travel and get to different places. You can drive two hours and experience a whole different culture.
How many languages can you speak?
Spanish, Italian, German and English.
Can you teach us something in Italian?
Devi guardare negli occhi quando fai chen. And that means you have to look me in my eyes when you cheers.
If you were not a professional soccer player, what would you be doing?
I'd be a firefighter like my brother, or I'd be in the NFL for sure.
What position would you want to be playing in American football?
If your best friends described you in three words, what would they be?
Funny, super, super, super duper mature, and loving and caring.
Who is one person who really assisted you on your journey to becoming a pro soccer player?
My mom, without a doubt.
What advice would you give to younger soccer players who dream of going pro one day?
My mental conditioning coach when I was younger said, "If you have an A plan, don't have a B plan because you're not going to invest everything into your A plan."
When this tournament is over and you look back, what do you hope people say about the way you played and carried yourself?
I hope after the tournament they are just proud, in a sense of knowing that I gave everything I had, left everything on the field, and sacrificed everything to try and get results.
