There's no doubting the affection that the British hold in their hearts for the game of football and for its most talented players.0:04
One such player is my guest today, Ryan MacLare, who will soon be leaving our shores to settle permanently in the United States.0:11
And I can't help but wonder, Ryan, if Americans will ever develop the same kind of attachment that we do to the sport they call soccer.0:18
Well, the popularity of football is increasing slowly but steadily in the US and that's basically what has made me so keen to go there.0:25
I want to help fire up that enthusiasm and help football become as established as other sports there.0:33
I think their passion for the game is just below the surface and just needs some encouragement.0:39
You've been criticized for your decision for a number of reasons.0:44
Some say that you're only after the huge amounts of cash you can make, and others claim that it's because, in fact, your high flying European career is over.0:48
It just goes to show that a lot of people in the media want to be as hurtful as they can to sell more papers.0:56
I mean, really, they must be joking.1:02
The truth of the matter is that whether I stay or go, I can still make money, good money.1:05
So that's not why I'm doing it.1:10
And as far as my career goes, it's common knowledge that my team wants me to stay.1:12
And don't forget, I'll still be playing for my country.1:17
So you're making the move purely out of love for the game and to promote it in the States.1:21
I'm really excited about the opportunity I've been given to be involved in something that's considered new and fresh.1:25
In some ways, attitudes in Europe towards football are a bit, well, tired, because it has all been seen and done before.1:32
And for me as a person, not just an athlete, a whole new world is about to open up.1:41
That's why I'm going.1:47
You mentioned before that you'll still be part of the England team.1:49
How are you going to cope with jetting between two continents?1:53
Just as I've always coped with traveling.1:57
As an international player, all players have to travel frequently.1:58
And anyway, I'm an athlete.2:04
We don't get as tired from jet lag as much as people who aren't fit do.2:05
And it's not as if it's going to be every other day, is it?2:10
You've had some problems with recurring injuries though, lately.2:13
Do you think you're going to be fit enough for the start of the season with your new team.2:17
I can't wait to get on the pitch to play, but the doctors are keeping a close eye on my physical condition and whatever advice they give, I will follow it.2:23
If I have to take things a bit slower at first, then that's the way it goes.2:31
We've talked a lot about the way you feel about the move, but.2:36
But what about your family?2:39
I think my wife is more excited than I am.2:41
Players families are used to moving around.2:43
It goes with the job, to be honest.2:46
As for my son, he just sees it as another holiday somewhere.2:48
And as a parent, I think it's great that I can offer him the opportunity to experience so many fantastic different places at such an early age.2:51
So it seems that the whole family is looking forward to the move then.3:00
But what about your new teammates?3:04
Do you think they're just as pleased about you coming?3:06
I've met everybody on the team and they were all really warm and friendly.3:09
I've made it clear to everyone that I will be just another member of the team, so I don't want any special star treatment.3:14
It's not a case of me and them.3:21
It just doesn't work like that at a professional level.3:23
Well, I think we've pretty much set the record straight here today.3:25
Ryan, thanks for coming in to talk to us.3:28
Thanks for having me.3:31
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