Maurice Edu
The newest member of the Philadelphia Union talks playing against Pirlo and disallowed World Cup goals.
- Juan Agudelo
- Eric Alexander
- Jozy Altidore
- Kyle Beckerman
- Tony Beltran
- Austin Berry
- Matt Besler
- Nat Borchers
- Terrence Boyd
- Will Bruin
- Edson Buddle
- Teal Bunbury
- Geoff Cameron
- Edgar Castillo
- Ricardo Clark
- Steve Clark
- Bobby Convey
- Kenny Cooper
- Joe Corona
- Sam Cronin
- Cody Cropper
- Danny Cruz
- Daniel Cuevas
- Charlie Davies
- Brad Davis
- Nick DeLeon
- Jay DeMerit
- Maurice Edu
- Michael Farfan
- Andrew Farrell
- Benny Feilhaber
- Greg Garza
- Eddie Gaven
- Luis Gil
- Alan Gordon
- Andy Gruenebaum
- Bill Hamid
- Matt Hedges
- Clint Irwin
- George John
- Sean Johnson
- Jermaine Jones
- Benji Joya
- Dan Kennedy
- Perry Kitchen
- Jeff Larentowicz
- Steven Lenhart
- Chad Marshall
- Jack McBean
- Dax McCarty
- Jack McInerney
- Matt Miazga
- Justin Morrow
- Patrick Mullins
- Lee Nguyen
- Conor O'Brien
- Amobi Okugo
- Michael Parkhurst
- Heath Pearce
- Chris Pontius
- Dillon Powers
- Christian Ramirez
- Nick Rimando
- Chris Rolfe
- Kelyn Rowe
- Omar Salgado
- C.J. Sapong
- Brek Shea
- Harry Shipp
- Tommy Thompson
- Wil Trapp
- Andrew Wenger
- Danny Williams
- Sheanon Williams
- Chris Wondolowski
- Graham Zusi
April 01, 2014
6:37 PM
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John Todd/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
My earliest memories of soccer would be going to watch my father play in this Sunday league. It was mostly just for fun but some of them were pretty good still. When I was real young, he used to also take us to the park as a family on Saturday mornings and have us train. Then we'd come home and watch games on TV. I think my passion for the game was born here.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
My father because he's the one who introduced me to the game and helped develop my skills. Zidane, Paul Scholes, and Patrick Viera were all players I enjoyed watching and trying to learn from.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
I'll never forget my first experience with the full team. It was a friendly in Switzerland in October 2007. I started the game, and we won 1-0. It was a very special moment for me. Not every player gets a chance to play for his country so each time I do, I'm honored and try to represent the shirt well.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
As a midfielder, I think vision, leadership, composure, hard work, and the ability to make players around you better.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Selfish players and laziness!
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Hard work, a strong self-belief, passion, and desire. Not everyone's going to believe in you, but you have to be confident in your own ability and be willing to put in the work to gain that confidence. My passion for this game drives me to want to be as good as I can be and to be successful.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
I think my all-around game can continue to improve. I don't think there's a stage when you can stop learning and improving.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
Numerous coaches I've had through my career, some who have become close friends as well. But my family is No. 1 for their continued support and honesty.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
I've been fortunate to make many close friends in this game. Jozy Altidore and I came into the national team around the same time and room together on trips. He's become one of my best friends.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest soccer achievements would be representing my country at both the Olympics and the World Cup!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Not getting out of the group stages at the Olympics and losing to Ghana at the World Cup. In both cases, I thought we had really good teams and the potential to achieve more. Biggest disappointment of course though is having my game-winning goal against Slovenia in the World Cup disallowed for no reason at all!
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
This game is full of highs and lows. I've learned to try and keep a balance. When you reach a high, enjoy it but don't (overdo) it. When you hit a low, don't dwell on it, pick yourself back up, and keep working. Also, enjoy every day because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
I played in a charity game this past summer and my teammates included Falcao, Clarence Seedorf, and Edison Cavani to name a few.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Messi, Xavi, Pirlo.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
Be an actor or involved in music, but I'd still be involved with soccer in some way.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
When it's all said and done, I want to look back on my career, smile, and be proud. Look back at all the teams I played for, all the competitions I played in, and all the trophies and medals I've won. Look back and know that everyday I was able to look myself in the mirror and know I did everything I could to help my team win, lose, or draw. That I became the best player I could be and enjoyed the game during the process, too!
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