The 18 year old Uruguayan-American MLS star Diego Fagundez of the New England Revolution granted Haiti Tempo this exclusive interview in which he reveals his favorite player, where he needs to be improved as a player and many more. Diego is the club’s first ever homegrown player and signed to a senior contract back in November 2010. Fagundez was born in Uruguay then moved to the US with his family when he was 5 years old.
Fagundez is currently the leading goalscorer of the Revolution with 7 goals as the club is making a final push for a playoff berth. Earlier this season, Diego scored in four consecutive MLS matches from May 11-June 2.
The phenom has stated in the past that he would be open to represent either Uruguay or team USA.
Here’s our interview with Diego.
HT: Diego, when did you start playing soccer?
Fagundez: I started playing soccer when I was 2 years old. My dad got me into it when I was very young, so I started kicking the ball around when I was two. I started to play on a team when I was 3 ½ probably.
HT: Who was your favorite player growing up?
Fagundez: Cristiano Ronaldo definitely, he’s just an excellent player.
HT: Do you have a favorite professional soccer team
Fagundez: Real Madrid, all day!
HT: What is it like to be a star at a very young age?
Fagundez: You just have to prove to the kids and the people in the stands that you can play no matter how old you are and that anyone can play this sport.
HT: How does it feel to be the youngest player and also the top scorer for the Revolution?
Fagundez: It feels good, but without my team I don’t think I could be where I am right now. So, it’s all a team effort.
HT: Can you tell us about the best players you’ve met or played against?
Fagundez: I’ve played against a lot of good players in the MLS like David Beckham. You just never dream of being able to play at such a young age against these top players.
HT: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Fagundez: Probably my parents, other players, and a couple of coaches that I have gotten really close to too.
HT: Is there any part of your game that you’d like to improve?
Fagundez: Probably my defending. It’s getting better, but of course it’s always better to keep working on it to get better at it.
HT: Do you put a lot of thinking on which national team you’ll play for between Uruguay and the USMNT? Any decision yet?
Fagundez: No, I haven’t. I’m more focused on the Revs right now, so whenever I get the opportunity maybe I’ll start to think about it.
HT: What advice would you give to younger players who want to become professional soccer players?
Fagundez: Work hard and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.
—
Diego played for both USA and Uruguay at the youth level. He was a member of the U.S. Under-14 National Team pool from 2007-2008, he played for the U.S. under 15 squad in 2010. He also made two appearances as a member of the Uruguayan squad against Peru’s U-20 team in friendly matches on Oct. 9 and Oct. 11. As of now, he is eligible to represent Uruguay at the senior level, he won’t be able to appear for the USMNT until he gains US citizenship.
Benson Petit-Clair for haititempo.com /August 2013
Home
Store
Contact