By Debbie Haar // @GalaxySoccerMom
After much anticipation, the L.A. Galaxy announced on January 29, 2019, a one-year loan deal with Manchester City for 21-year old Mexican International midfielder Uriel Antuna. Antuna signed a four-year contract with Manchester City in 2017, spending last season on loan with FC Groningen in the Netherlands. In November 2018, he was called up for the senior Mexican National Team for friendlies against Belgium and Poland but saw no play time.
I was lucky enough to sit down and talk to him just a few hours after his loan deal was officially announced by the Galaxy.
Debbie Haar: Welcome to L.A. How’s it feel to be here and with the Galaxy?
Uriel Antuna: Good. It’s very exciting.
DH: How have the practices been?
UA: Hard, but it needs to be that way. I’m used to them now.
DH: So, when did you start playing soccer?
UA: Probably age 3. My Dad loves futbol.
DH: What kind of kid were you?
UA: I talked a lot to my Mom. Sometimes I was a little crazy.
DH: What’s your Mom like?
UA: (big smile) She is crazy! (laughs) She used to bang on the drums in the stands during my games.
DH: Would you like if we said hi to your Mom in this article?
UA: Yes! (Hi Bertha, you did a good job Mom!)
DH: Do you get recognized in public?
UA: I did in the Netherlands.
DH: Did it feel like an invasion of privacy?
UA: No! I love the fans.
DH: Do you get homesick?
UA: I miss my family – this is futbol life.
DH: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
UA: I have two younger brothers age 16 and 12. My brother Kevin plays in Mexico.
DH: We heard about your Mom, what is your Dad like? What does he do?
UA: He is very proud and supportive. He delivers chips to stores for a living.
DH: If you weren’t a soccer player what career would you pursue?
UA: I don’t know, I always wanted to play soccer. I’d like to study. I’m good at math. You show me once and I know it.
DH: Are you superstitious or have any pregame rituals?
UA: I used to. I put my left sock on, then my right sock. Then my left shoe, then my right. But I stopped that.
DH: What’s your favorite thing to eat?
UA: I eat a lot! I like pizza and sushi.
DH: Question. Do you like pineapple on pizza?
UA: Yes.
DH: You’re awesome! On your days off do you wake up early or like to sleep in?
UA: I like to sleep.
DH: Do you drink coffee?
UA: Of course!
DH: What kind of coffee do you like?
UA: Caramel. I love caramel and I don’t like my coffee hot.
DH: Tell me something interesting most people don’t know about you.
UA: I gave up soda eight years ago. I only drink water, apple juice or orange juice. Sometimes sparkling water but not too much.
DH: I watched you score a hat trick in the CONCACAF U20 Championship game, you did some very impressive gymnastics after. Where did you learn to do flips like that?
UA: (laughs) I learned on my bed, then just started doing them on the field.
DH: Do you play video games?
UA: Of course! PlayStation, Call of Duty.
DH: What has been your achievement when it comes to soccer?
UA: Signing with Manchester City.
DH: Does it ever bother you when fans boo or get upset?
UA: No, you get used to it. We don’t want to lose either. I like when fans are fans through the good and bad.
DH: We’re all excited to watch you play. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.
UA: Of course.
(Some communication was done via translation app)
L.A. is excited to see you on the field, Uriel. Welcome to the Galaxy.
Featured image: @LAGalaxy
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