Jul 25
Freddy Adu’s Press Confrenence
A big thanks to Chuck for making me aware of the conference. Here is part of conversation.Freddy, how do you feel after joining Monaco for the upcoming season?
I’m happy and proud! Monaco is a big club and I’m really excited to wear their colors. I realize how lucky I am; a new chapter in my life and career is beginning. I can’t wait to start this adventure!
What finally made up your mind?
Honestly, the club showed me that they really wanted me. What could be better for a player than to know that a president and a coach believe in you and think you can add quality to the team? For me it was ideal, I really wanted this to happen. In that respect, I want to sincerely thank M. de Bontin, Ricardo, and all the people who made this transfer possible.
When you first heard about the possibility of joining ASM, what images did you associate with the club?
For me, first of all it’s the Champions League final in 2004, the team made an exceptional run. Monaco also has a lot of history. As M. de Bontin reminded us, the list of big names who have worn this jersey is impressive. I don’t rate myself in that category but it’s an honor to become, like them, a player for AS Monaco.
What do you know about the French championship?
It’s a high-level competition. It’s known for being rather defensive, with very well organized units. It will be different from what I’ve known thus far but that will help me become a better player. I’m really excited to go up against that.
We know you’re a left-footed offensive player, but what is your favorite position on the pitch?
That’s not really a problem for me. In the middle, on one side or up top, I really don’t have a preference. I haven’t yet spoken with the coach about my future position but right now I’m only thinking about doing my best for the team. I’m going to work hard to show my attributes, whatever my position may be.
Looking back at last season, your first in Europe, playing for Benfica. What do you take away from that experience?
It was a beneficial season that allowed me to discover European soccer. But it wasn’t always easy for several reasons. I often joined the national team for the Olympic qualifiers, there was a coaching change and I was one of the youngest players on the team. I would have liked to have played more, especially in the second part of the season, but I trained hard all year next to great players like Rui Costa. I think I have progressed.
Starting on August 6th, you’ll be playing in the Olympic tournament in Beijing. What are the US’s chances in the competition?
We’re definitely in the hardest group with the Netherlands, Japan and Nigeria. Despite that, the whole team has belief. We’ve got a talented and motivated squad, and I think we can surprise a lot of people.
To finish up, a brief word on your level of French…
I know how to count to at least 10! (laughs) I have some vague memories because I studied French when I was younger, but it wasn’t enough. I’m going to really apply myself as soon as I arrive at the club!
Jerome de Bontin: An Important Event:
“On behalf of AS Monaco and all the supporters of our club, I welcome Freddy to our league. It’s an important event for ASM and for all of French soccer. Freddy Adu is a player who possesses the state of mind, the energy, the intelligence and the talent to realize the performances that we expect from him in these new colors. American soccer is still poorly known in Europe, and I’m convinced that Freddy and AS Monaco can change that. He’s joining today a succession of prestigious players who played at the heard of the Monegasque attack, such as Jan Koller, Christian Vieri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Javier Saviola, Fernando Morientes, Marco Simone, David Trezeguet, Thierry Henry, Sonny Anderson, Jurgen Klinsmann or even Delio Onnis, the leading scorer in club history and in the French first division.”
July 25th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
He’s well spoken at least.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Beijing is his time to shine. He has showed very well when wearing the US kit, hopefully that trend will continue.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I think he will open up a lot of eyes and it wouldn’t surprise me if he moves on to a bigger club after a year at Monaco. I also expect Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, and Michael Orozco to shine. Hopefully we can move many more young players to Europe after the Olympics.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
It’s always nice when someone lives up to their word. This article is from May. http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=26589
July 25th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
French-American Jerome de Bontin, the new president of French club AS Monaco, promises to bring an American touch to one of the most prestigious names in European soccer, a club that has struggled in recent years.
After more than 30 years of involvement in American soccer, as a player, coach, referee and most recently as an influential figure in U.S. Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, de Bontin is leaving his home in Kenilworth, Ill., to move to Monaco to run AS Monaco.
De Bontin’s move came at the calling of Prince Albert of Monaco, his former teammate at Amherst College and longtime friend.
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One of De Bontin’s goals is to develop close ties with American soccer. He has been serving on U.S. Soccer’s technical committee that U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati formed after the 2006 World Cup to evaluate the nation’s approach to youth player development and coaching education.
De Bontin hopes to sign one or two Americans for next season and develop working relationships with U.S. soccer organizations shortly. (He also hopes to get a waiver from the French league to allow Americans to enter Monaco’s youth academy — and to develop a reciprocal program so ASM youth graduates can play college soccer like he did more than a quarter a century ago.)
July 25th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
yeah, the part about developing Americans in the academy is something that sounds awesome. De Bontin might be one of the best things that happens to American Soccer
July 26th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
So if he’s wanting to sign other Americans, who do you think comes next?
July 26th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
well immediately, it’s Michael Bradley, but I don’t think that is going to happen so it might just be Adu for this year. How about Oguchi Onyewu. He’s been rumored to be joining a french team.
July 26th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
it’d be nice to get him out of Belgium. I’d like to see Benny Fielhaber go basically anywhere but Derby. Why not Monaco then? I guess I’ll just keep my fingers crossed that he lights up the Olympics.
July 27th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Gooch would do well to go to Monaco. I like the owner for Monaco, and if he does what he wants to do, this will only be better for the USMNT.
July 27th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
yeah, he’s even talking about finding Americans and brining them into Monaco’s academy to have a pipeline. Gooch would do well because the french league is physical and he would be a perfect fit. I’m excited about De Bontin because he’s really turning Monaco into a team with close ties to America.