It's been a busy couple of weeks for New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream, what with featuring for the MLS All-Stars, closing the New York Stock Exchange and then flying to London for the Emirates Cup. How does he manage to juggle all those balls? Find out the answer in our exclusive interview.
When did you start playing soccer?
I guess when I was five or six years old, just kicking the ball around in the backyard with my family and friends.
Which players did you most admire when you where younger?
I get that question very often but I have to say I didn’t admire too many players. Obviously I followed the guys from my hometown, you know there are quite a few in this league… guys like Brian McBride, he went to the same college as me so I followed him pretty closely.
And which club did you support when you were younger?
Club… hmmm… growing up it was Manchester United, but I have switched my allegiance over the years. Now I love to watch Arsenal and Barcelona play, just how they move the ball, how they pass the ball. The style of play is just so beautiful to watch.
You were selected for the All-Star Team. Although you are not a big fan of Manchester United anymore, what did it mean to you playing against the Red Devils?
It meant a lot to me. I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to be recognised as an All-Star in this league and to get the chance to play against Manchester at such a young age. The All Stars is such a big event and it was really pretty exciting for me.
Talking about exciting events, you were at the Stock Exchange last week to ring the closing bell, how was it?
Oh yeah, that was cool… I mean that was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime thing. But it was a lot different to what I thought it would be… you see in movies how crazy it is, but it wasn’t as crazy as I expected it to be. It was a good experience, though, and something I will always remember.
Ben Hider/NYSE Euronext
Ben Hider/NYSE Euronext
You must be a bit tired after all that excitement... how do you relax best besides playing soccer?
I just like to lay low and relax. But I also like running with my dogs and hanging around with the missus. And sometimes I really enjoy just watching a bit of TV… but not soccer!
Not soccer? That's a surprise... so what do you like to watch?
A little bit of everything. I guess whatever my fiancé is watching at the moment, she usually gets the remote from me. Yes, she is the boss at home!
Do you have a favourite series on TV?
We like Law & Order and CSI – we watch that very often and I love the travel channel. Man vs. Food is a really good show.
What is your favourite hotspot in New York or New Jersey?
I live in the Hoboken area in New Jersey, so I would probably have to say 340 Grill – it is right on the water, right next to the Hudson, so you see New York City on the other side. Yeah, that’s definitely my favourite place.
And who is your closest friend from the team?
Carlos Mendez and I have formed a very good friendship, we are roomies on the road, so we have a lot to talk about. And, outside of soccer, I hang out a lot with Juan (Agudelo). I played with him at the National Team and also with Matt Kassel.
Want more?
- Head to the Emirates Cup event page
- Find out more about the teams involved
- Visit New York Red Bulls' official site
- Click here for more football
© Getty Images for Red Bull New York
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