Exclusive Interview: FIFA Soccer Star Jozy Altidore
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On the Cover
The RED Game Guru recently caught up with EA's newest cover athlete, Jozy Altidore. Jozy will be featured on the cover and in the upcoming 'FIFA Soccer 08' video game. He shares his experience of being a cover athlete and one of the youngest athletes to play professional soccer. In fact, you just may see this 17 year-old on the field playing against David Beckham this season.
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Game Guru: First, tell us little bit about yourself and where you are from.
Jozy: Well, I'm 17-years-old and I'm playing in my first full season with the New York Red Bulls. I actually started playing with the team last year when I was 16 and that was a big thrill. I play forward. I have been attending a high school residency program while playing in New York and I graduated in May. I was taking all my courses by corespondence. The school would send me course work and I would complete it and then when it was time for exams I would take it. -
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Game Guru: When did your love affair with soccer (or football) begin?
Jozy: I began playing soccer when I was 3 years old and ever since then it has been like a religion. I remember playing at age 5 and getting moved up with the eight-year-olds because I had such a hard shot but it was no big deal to me. I just loved playing and it didn't matter who it was against. I love being out on the pitch and kicking a ball around. -
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Game Guru: How does it feel to be a pro soccer player at such a young age?
Jozy: It has been a whirlwind of a ride but I'm very thankful I get to do what I love at such a young age. It is pretty exciting to get the opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world. I'm really looking forward to our game against LA Galaxy and the chance to play against Beckham. He's bringing tremendous exposure to the game, and I'm not going to lie to you, it's pretty exciting. Playing against him will be quite a thrill. -
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Game Guru: So, what was it like to play in your first professional soccer match?
Jozy: Butterflies, a lot of butterflies. It didn't really hit me until much later when I realized I was doing something I really love to do and I was getting paid to do it. Sometimes when I walk out on the pitch for games, I look at all the fans, take in the atmosphere, and I realize how fortunate I am. -
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Game Guru: Do you feel that other players treat you any differently because of your age?
Jozy: At times I get treated differently by teammates because I'm younger and because I have done less then them. I don't have their worldly experiences. I still live with my mom and she still drives me to practices. But on the field it's all the same and we all respect each other. -
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Game Guru: I hear you are a gamer, is that true? If so, what are your favorite types of games?
Jozy: I like to play sometimes on the road instead of going out. I have a PSP and an Xbox 360 and PS3. I don't want to brag but when I play FIFA I tend to stand out a bit. I also like to play Madden and NBA LIVE and also games like Halo and Gears of War. Halo is pretty popular on our team -
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Game Guru: How does it feel to be on the cover of FIFA 08?
Jozy: It's exciting to be on the cover of my favorite videogame. It is an honor to be on there beside Ronaldinho and (Guillermo) Ochoa and follow great players like Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu and even David Beckham. My friends thought it was really cool because this franchise has been around a long time and it is so popular. Everyone plays FIFA. -
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Game Guru: Are you excited to see yourself in video game form? How does it make you feel?
Jozy: I had a chance to play the early version of the game on Xbox 360 with my sister and it was pretty cool. I've always played FIFA and now when I play with the Red Bulls it won't be 'Look what I just did,' it will be 'Look what Jozy Altidore just did.' And I suppose I'll cheat a little to get him the ball more. But I think the game looks very realistic and my player moves and runs just like I do. They have even taken my celebration from a game when I scored a goal against DC United and worked that into the game. -
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Game Guru: Will you be critical of your video games skills in comparison to your real-life skills?
Jozy: We'll see about that. I want to win just as badly in the video game as I do on the pitch. I'm going to try to get my hands on an early copy of the game and get really good at it so when it hits the stores I'll be ready to take on anyone. -
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Game Guru: What advice would you give other aspiring soccer pros?
Jozy: I would suggest that the player make sure he or she is having fun. That's the most important thing. As long as you are having fun all the success in the world will come. -
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