MetroFanatic: Youri, so why did you come back this year?
Youri Djorkaeff: Because I'm still loving this game. It talked a lot with Mo Johnston, first I left for a holiday, and then he promised me some new players to build a big team. We had some calls over the holidays and he said, we have some new players coming in. They're building a big team, and I'm very excited to be a part of this team.

MF: You said they brought new players in. Who specifically?
YD: Ummmm... If we check the team from last year, maybe half of the team is new. And this is more important, more experience, more quality players, and I hope in the final sprint it'll make a difference.

MF: Any names, any specific additions?
YD: No, I don't like to like specific names, but just a young kid like Marvell, Henderson, from the youngest to the oldest, they are very good players, and I think all the team, all the kids, all the players we signed this year are very good.

MF: You took less money to come back this year, are you just playing for the love of the game now?
YD: Nah... I'm just playing for winning. The money is coming after; the first choice is to do help the team, to still enjoy to play, and to have a chance to win something.

MF: Will you pace yourself throughout the season like last year?
YD: Last year, I was injured in the beginning. I finished my last season in England, and we started very soon in America with MetroStars. I didn't have a break and I was injured. After my first injury, I was fit enough to finish very well the year. My stats are very good, 25 appearances, 11 goals, MVP of the team. But not my best year; I hope to be better this year, like every time. I'll try to continue this way.

MF: You are gonna be playing as a forward, or more withdrawn?
YD: During the preseason I played forward, because we didn't have forwards, maybe with the new player, I don't know with Mo, what he decides for the team. We can play 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-5-1...

MF: I just want to thank for your dedication. Lots of fans appreciate what you're doing, you coming back.
YD: I'm trying to do my best for the fans. People are courageous to follow the team. In America, it's nothing like in Europe. They're very proud about the team and I'm very proud about the fans.