MetroFanatic: Cristian, there was talk that you might leave the team in the offseason to go abroad. Were there any offers?
Cristian Casseres: There was definitely talks, but for myself, I'm focused on my club. I'm focused on New York Red Bulls, and I'm focused on making sure that I'm here to make sure we win, to have a good season. And to win the season, potentially.

MF: You came here at a very young age and your role really has grown through the years. How did this club help you grow as a player?
CC: I arrived here back in 2018. I was very young, of course, but the team had helped me a lot to grow into who I am today, the player that I am today. And I'm really happy with them because I think I've learned a lot from the team.

MF: You were named Venezuela Player of the Year recently. How much is MLS and this club to responsible for that achievement?
CC: The league has grown a lot. MLS is a very high league now, especially for us Venezuelans. There's a lot of Venezuelan players here in ML. So for me to be able to win, that was awesome and it was definitely a great accomplishment for myself.

MF: Giovanni Savarese, now the Portland coach, was the first star here. He scored 44 goals for this team. Are you aware of that connection?
CC:Yes, of course I know who he is. Actually, he played with my dad back in Venezuela, so he knows me very well and I know him very well as well.