It's my biggest dream as a soccer player: I always wanted to play in the World Cup.
I've experienced first-hand how the system is in Germany. I've seen how well-developed and professional they are, even at a young age. I learned and grew so much as an individual there.
I've always expected a lot out of myself, and it can be a good quality. But it can be bad at times, too.
It's a fast learning process if you want to be successful at the highest level.
Why is it that E.U. players are allowed to move country once they turn 16... but non-Europeans can only do so at 18? Why aren't we campaigning for a level playing field, where our best 16 year olds - who may not have an E.U. passport like I had - are free to move when they turn 16, like the best young players in Europe can?
Lionel Messi, getting to meet him, you're a little star-struck in the beginning, of course.
I was always, you know, a decent player growing up. And yes, I was born with a certain amount of so-called 'natural ability.' But I also worked and sacrificed a lot to try to maximize what I was born with - which I think is important to point out.
I set my own personal goals; I'm not playing to satisfy fans.
I'm not a prodigy - or a 'wonderboy,' as some have put it.
I think - I hope - that we're going to be able to build something here with U.S. Soccer, where it's not just going to be about one lost match or one lost cycle or one lost team. It's going to be about an entire country rallying around an entire sport in a way that lasts.
Obviously, making my debut at such a young age, people put a lot of pressure on you.
