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Jozy Altidore interview

By James Rogers

5/11/08

FT: What was the football culture like when you were growing up in Boca Raton, and who helped you along when you were starting out?

Altidore: I played for a youth team called Boca Juniors – I was lucky to have a trainer there that brought me along when I was 8 years old, and I trained there until I was 14. He taught me a lot of things that I use now.

The biggest influence on my career, though, has got to be my parents – they have always been there in my development. They have had the biggest impact on my career.

FT: The last couple of years have been something of a whirlwind for you. Do any goals or games stick out as highlights?

Altidore: I think it’s a combination of things – playing for the Red Bulls and the national team has been fun. I would have to say, though, that my goal against Mexico [for the U.S. national team earlier this year] was a highlight. Scoring that goal really opened my eyes and showed me that if I keep working hard I can play at this level.

It showed me that I just have to continue to work if I want to be successful.

FT: Which of your Red Bulls team-mates have been the biggest influences on you?

Altidore: Any of the older guys. Juan-Pablo Angel, Claudio Reyna, they have been instrumental with me, telling me a lot of things. Juan Pablo is helping me be a better striker; Claudio is showing me how to be a good professional – these little things go a long way for a young player.

FT: What would you describe as your biggest assets as a player?

Altidore: I am a physical player; I have been blessed with physique, and my speed as well. Of course, I can improve, but I have the pace to cause trouble.

FT: Is it true that you are still growing?

Altidore: Yes, I am a little bit. I am about 6 foot 1, but the doctors have said that 6 foot 3 will be my peak height, so hopefully I will get there.

FT: Like Freddy Adu and Landon Donovan before you, you’re under intense scrutiny from fans and the media at a very young age; how do you cope with the pressure?

Altidore: I don’t really see it as pressure. Players that have these pressures just focus on their own goals. I think that that is the most important thing. [Freddy and Landon] have done well just focusing on their own expectations and their own goals. As a player, that’s what we have to do.

You have to embrace [the pressure]. As a player, you have to keep it in perspective and not get caught up in these things that come along the road.

FT: You played a big part in the U.S. team’s Olympic qualification earlier this year, are you starting to think about Beijing?

Altidore: Of course. To have that opportunity is unbelievable, but right now, I am just focused on here and my team. There’s still a lot of time before the Olympics, but, if I am selected, it will be a great opportunity.

FT: There has already been a lot of media speculation linking you with a big move to the English Premier League or Spain’s La Liga; what are your thoughts on that?

Altidore: I just keep it in context. It’s kind of like a pat on the back, but my main focus is on the team here and the players here, and trying to win the championship. [But] of course, I would love to play in those leagues one day.

FT: Do you set yourself targets?

Altidore: My main goal is to be consistent, to be a consistent performer, and make sure that I apply myself. My main goal is not to score a bunch of goals, it’s just to be a consistent performer.

FT: How would you describe the Red Bulls’ season so far?

Altidore: It has been full of ups and downs. We have dropped points, but that’s how the game goes. It’s an unpredictable sport.