So far, it’s positive. I’m joining a good team, a great organization and an interesting city. I am comfortable since I’m here. I knew a few players like Matondo, with whom I played in Vancouver last year and Weber, because I played in college with his twin brother. And to come here with David (Testo) is much easier, because he’s a good friend.
Were your surprised to be traded?
Yes, I was surprised and even shocked at the start because I didn’t think I was going to be traded. When I learned the news, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. I drove for two hours back home in Seattle to see my friends and my family. My former college coach Tom Boatright was very excited and told me it was the best thing that could have happened to me. It’s a big change for me but I’m glad to be here.
You were named Rookie of the Year in 2005 and Most Valuable Player of your team in 2006. You must have appreciated your two seasons with the Whitecaps?
Yes and I think I owe a lot to coach Bob Lilley because he was the first to give me a chance. Being a Tacoma native, a Seattle suburb, I wanted to play in my home town with the Sounders but I wasn’t even called up to try out. Bob gave me the opportunity to show what I was able to do.
In your first game, last Wednesday against the Carolina RailHawks, you were the spark plug with two assists. Didi you think that you could have an impact on the game so quickly?
I think that I have nothing to do with the goals we scored. I simply played my game. The goals scored were brilliant strikes. I hope that we will build and keep the scoring going. I’m glad to be on this side now.
Do you think David Testo and yourself can bring a positive experience to this team with your championship victory last year?
I hope that we will bring this experience to help the Impact win. In 2005, we lost in the first round and we used that as a motivation source last year in the playoffs. I want to use the things I learned in Vancouver to win again in Montreal. I think that David is also a great acquisition because he is one of the best players of the league when he’s at his best.
What kind of player and person are you on and off the field?
I think that I’m a good dribbler who likes to build the game by crossing and passing the ball. I also like to score because I’m a forward, but I also like to play as a midfielder. I think that I’m a dynamic and easygoing person.
What is your second passion after soccer?
I like basketball a lot. I played in high school and even if I was quite small, I was pretty quick. Today, I like to watch NBA professional basketball. I attended a few Seattle Supersonics games. I was there for a couple of games against the Phoenix Suns with my former teammate Martin Nash, who is Steve Nash’s brother.
