MetroFanatic: Claudio, in 1997, you were spotted watching a MetroStars game in the tunnel, and that's when first rumors were started about you coming here. Were there ever any discussions about coming here the past ten years?
Claudio Reyna: No, to be honest, there never was. It's a team I followed just being from this area. I went to a few games when I was here, but I was never really in discussions when I was playing in Europe. But it was always the case, if I had a chance, it was my number one choice to come back to the area, to my home.

MF: So why now, you were still playing in the Premiership in December?
CR: There're a few reasons. I always wanted to play here at home, and it was a good time to come at the beginning of the season instead of in the middle. My family, we just had our third son three weeks ago, so we went over before that and made the decision. It just made more sense to do it like that, to come before and not in the middle of the season, and get to know everybody. It's a big move, lots of things to do. In the offseason for MLS, it made a lot of sense to move over now and start my career here.

MF: Would you have made the move if there was no Designated Player slot, and the salary implications that go with it?
CR: It's hard to say. The rule has passed, so I was able to come. It was definitely... The salary you make in Europe is definitely higher than you make here. It was something that helped in terms of that, but to be honest, I've said it before, money wasn't the reason why I came; I took a paycut regardless. They gave me a good contract, I'm happy with it. It has nothing to do with the Designated Player rule, but I think it's good because it will bring more good players over from Europe and around the world.

MF: Bruce talked how the team last year had very few leaders, and then he mentioned you. Can you just talk about the leadership on the team?
CR: It's important in any team. I wasn't here last year, but that was one of the things they talked about, it was a quiet group. Not only myself, but a few other guys that have come now with some experience and could lead and team, and it's natural for us as well. It's something I'm comfortable with, and I think every team needs. It's a role I accept. The guys are a good group of guys; it's an easy team to work with.

MF: How are your injuries, how are you feeling now?
CR: Feel good, the whole preseason has gone well. No problems. It's a bit cold now, when hopefully the warm weather comes around, that's better for anyone. But I feel very good.

MF: I think you mentioned there was a problem in England with the team physician?
CR: Yeah, there were just mistakes made, and a lot of times when injuries are released, they release them as is and no one knows the stories behind them. I never really talked about it ever, I kept my mouth shut, but there were some really big mistakes made, twice, which made me miss a lot more games than I should have. It's not anything people knew, and I never talked about it, because it wasn't right. Now that I've come back, the question has been asked, and I've said it before. There were definitely reasons behind it, and it was out of my control.

MF: Do you have any message for the suffering fans?
CR: Yeah, I hope to excite them, because I am and the team is ready to start my first season and it's an exciting season. There's been a lot of big changes and keep supporting us, like they have been. We want to do well on the field, play good soccer, and win games, because it's a good time now to have a successful team in the area.