MetroFanatic: Jan, you don't often see players who play for European national teams coming to America. What made you do this?
Jan Gunnar Solli: When it came up that the Red Bulls wanted me last summer, it felt like a good challenge for me. When it didn't happen, I thought maybe it will happen this season. Basically because of the challenge moving outside of Norway, and also it would be pretty cool to play with some top star players. Rafa and Henry being here was part of making that decision. Most of all it was the challenge and playing with Hans Backe as the head coach. He's from Scandinavia, he's a good coach. Also, to move by myself to a big city, New York.

MF: We've heard that many many times. There were some players -- cough -- Lothar Matthaus -- who came here for New York and not for soccer.
JGS: Oh no, I'm here first of all to play soccer. That's why I live in Hoboken. I didn't want to be living in New York City, because what I have to do every day is be on the training pitch, getting ready for the games if we're gonna win the competition, that's our main goal. Of course, it's cool to have a city like New York there. When I'm sitting on my sofa and watching out at the view, the skyline. But just being able to relax in my sofa, watch regular TV like I was doing in Norway, but just make sure to be ready for the training.

MF: What do you like most about New York City so far?
JGS: I really love the tempo, in the city everything goes so fast.

MF: A little different from Norway...
JGS: A liiiiiiiitle bit. It's like a festival every day, and it still would be the biggest festival I've ever been to. I like that there are things happening around me. I'm a pretty energetic person who likes things to happen, but I also know when to relax. Here I can do both.

MF: Let's talk about your career as a DJ.
JGS: Yeah, this DJ thing, it's more like... I don't want people to think that I spend too much time in nightclubs. When they hear that you're a DJ, they think, he's DJing in all the clubs.

MF: There are some videos on Youtube...
JGS: Yeah, yeah. But all these videos I did when I'm on holiday. My passion for music, it goes on 24 hours, but I don't have to choose, I can do both. If I can do some DJing during the day time, I was DJing with the supporters now, I thought it was great. They liked it as well, they were tweeting around. Hopefully there will be some charities, some events I can do when I don't have to stay up that late.

MF: What's your situation with the national team?
JGS: I've been pretty clear with the Norwegian coach. If he wants me to be a part of the squad, let's not even make it so I have to answer yes or no. It's more of a challenge, because it's a different part of the world, and you have a six hour time difference. That will be a big challenge. I'm gonna have my focus here on playing good, and if they like what they see and want me to be a part of the national team, and Red Bull will let me, we'll just see when the time is there. I don't like to talk about problems when there actually are none.

MF: Good point. How long did you sign for?
JGS: I signed for two years, plus there is an optional year, with both parties free to choose what to do with it. I don't like talking about the future, I'm just ready to get started with the competition.

MF: You're the first Norwegian in MLS, by the way.
JGS: Yeah, I know that. The television back in Norway, they came and made a small story on me.

MF: Only a small one?
JGS: It was a big story back in Norway, of course. I just want to come here and see how the level is. We have many good players on the same team. I am more confident every day, because I know I made the right decision coming here, to be a part of a group that is progressing every day and I think we will do well this year. Hopefully, by having me here, the Norwegians will follow MLS a little closer.