NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco has a well-documented support for the sport of soccer. Read below to hear what the six-time NFL Pro Bowl selection has said about soccer in the past, setting the stage for his tryout with Sporting Kansas City next week.
Soccer Talk Live (FOX Soccer) appearance in 2010:
On his background in the game…
“Soccer was always my first sport. That was my first love. Started from four years old and once I got to high school, I had to make a decision on what I wanted to focus on and take me to the next level.”
On trying to play professionally for a soccer club…
“I’m ready. I’m all for it. If the opportunity presented itself, believe me, I would take it. And I think I might have the chance this upcoming year.”
Soccer players around the world who he is close with…
“I know a couple of guys. Ronaldinho is one of them. Thierry Henry is good friend of mine. Cristiano Ronaldo, I talk to him all the time on Twitter. We DM back and forth. Ashley Cole is a good friend of mine. I used to go watch Thiery Henry play at Arsenal every off-season.”
On his biggest asset as a soccer player…
“There’s not one person in soccer right now that would beat me running, that’s including Lionel Messi.”
On how he uses soccer skills while playing in the NFL…
“I warm up with a soccer ball Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. That’s how I warm up before practice. On gamedays, I use it to warm my legs up. I juggle for maybe 30 or 40 minutes.”
Sports Illustrated interview in 2006:
On his background in the game…
“I played soccer before football, and I was good. That’s where I get my quick feet – my feet are unbelievable. When I got to high school, I had to choose between the sports because they were in the same season. I chose football because I saw more opportunity, but it broke my heart. I still follow soccer; I watched every minute of the World Cup. I like to think I play football like Ronaldinho, with the trick moves and the anticipation.”
ESPN Q&A in 2007:
On his interest level in soccer…
“I mean I literally love it, watch it continuously seven days a week.”
On his juggling routine…
“Yeah, that’s the way I warm up, before games, during the season, in practice, in between drills, in between practice I use the ball, just juggling the ball all day.”
