MetroFanatic: Mike, in the old media guide, you talk about your love for Florence Henderson. Is it still as burning as it was back in the day?
Mike Petke: I still got a tender spot in the back of my mind for her. She's drifted on a little bit, but she'll always have a place in my heart.

MF: You also have mentioned that your favorite actor was Ariel Graziani. Has that changed?
MP: It's moved on to some current players.

MF: Names?
MP: (quickly) Alejandro Moreno. Ummmm....Uhhhh... Moreno we'll keep it at. He is the worst.

MF: You hair has also changed from before.
MP: You know, after the wedding day, it stopped after that. My own kids need to recognize me. If I keep changing my hair, they'll freak out.

MF: But you were such a matinee idol for all the teenage girls.
MP: Yeah, those are some days, I tell you. Now, it's all about my family and soccer, and that's it.

MF: On a more serious note, the MetroStars are gone in name, but a lot of memories remain. A lot of people talk down on those years as losing years. What are your feelings on that?
MP: Can't argue with the record, to be honest. We had the great run in 2000. Erik Stover just alluded a minute ago, New York was always associated with change. When I was here, in five years, it was the absolute most in MLS history. Now Red Bull has a core group of players, they'll have a better success with that than every year having a new team. I enjoyed my time when I was here greatly, and will make most of my time back here.

MF: But there were some good memories.
MP: Absolutely. The playoff run in 2000, some epic games with DC United. Great attendance back then.

MF: Winning helped, right?
MP: It was great. Winning helped, yeah. And now coming off MLS Cup final, that's the best way to help out attendance.

MF: How have you changed as a player since we last saw you here?
MP: Obviously, I got quite a bit older, rely more on my experience than on my speed. I learned to read the game a lot better than when I was here.

MF: Do you still want to be the President of the Empire Supporters Club when you retire?
MP: (laughs) Possibly at one time in my life.