Q&A with new
Chicago Fire midfielder Sebastian Grazzini
On the flight to
Chicago:
“It was a long flight. I didn’t sleep much on the plane
because of the length of the flight, but I am happy to be here and meet the
coaches and my new teammates.”
On the process of
coming over to the Fire:
"My representative told me there was interest from teams in
MLS, specifically one team who was very interested in my services. I started to
become familiar with the leagues in the States, so I was also interested to
come up here and play since the league was growing and getting a lot better.
Plus, there have already been four or five players that have already come to
the States to play. I knew that
Chicago was one of the clubs in the league, so it became an interest to me. I
had some offers out in Argentina, but I’ve always been interested in moving to
a different country.”
On his fitness since
the end of the Argentine Clausura:
“After the end of my season, I have kept in shape and done
some workouts because I knew I was going to be coming out here. I haven’t
worked with the ball much since the season ended, but I hope within a couple of
training sessions I’ll fit right in.”
On the chemistry with
his teammates and his contribution to the team:
“I’m going to do my best to fit in and do what is best for
the team. I think my fitness and first touches will help serve the club and
make a difference.”
On his qualities as a
player:
“I feel I am creative and can play many positions on the
field. Also, I am a team player and like to help the team get to the opposing
goal.”
On his expectations to
play Saturday night vs. Portland:
“No, I don’t think I will play tomorrow because I did not
sleep on the flight and I’m physically tired. I am dying to get out there, but
I prefer to do things right and getting out there tomorrow night would be too
soon.”
On when he will play:
“I am going to do the best I can to get out there, so it
will be a question in time. I want to fit in with the guys the best I can and
give them all my best qualities.”
On joining a team
mid-season:
“Obviously, I would have liked to started on the same time
and physical condition as my teammates. They’re all in mid-season form and I am
coming off a short tournament, but I’ve felt I’ve put in a lot of hard work in
the last four weeks, even though I have been off. Overall, it is very difficult
to join a team during the middle of the year.”
On the pressure he
feels helping the team win:
“I understand that there will be some extra attention. When
a foreigner enters the league, there are always some extra eyes on them. But, I
feel confident in my abilities and confident in my teammates. I have a feeling
that things will turn out right.”
