HANOVER, N.J. – He’s been around the world and back. Now, Aurelien Collin has a new home in New York.
Following successful spells with Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City SC, the 30-year-old centerback has joined the New York Red Bulls and figures to play an integral role throughout the 2016 season.
NewYorkRedBulls.com had the chance to sit down with Collin to talk about his thoughts on his move to the Big Apple, his goals for the season, and the obstacles he has had to overcome during his time in America.
EG: You have a pretty unique kit number. What made you go with #78?
AC: The department where I grew up in Paris is called Yvelines. That department number is 78, so that’s why I wear it; I represent where I grew up.
EG: What were your first thoughts upon hearing you’d be joining the New York Red Bulls, a team that you’ve battled against for years?
AC: We battled because they were always one of the two best teams in the league: the Galaxy and Red Bulls. In Europe, everyone knows about the Red Bulls and LA Galaxy. On top of that, big stars have played here: Juninho, Youri Djorkaeff, and of course, Thierry Henry. He’s a player that I respect and admire a lot.
So the first time I heard that I was coming here, I was very, very happy. I’m so blessed; it’s an amazing opportunity. It’s kind of like a dream to play in New York. They’ve got a great stadium, amazing training center, one of the best cities in the world and lots of fans, so it’s the perfect thing.
I’m at the top of my career and I feel great physically. It’s an amazing opportunity and I hope we’ll do big things here.
EG: You’ve got a whole bunch of new teammates now. How have you been fitting in so far?
AC: It’s been easy. I know most of the guys already: [Bradley] Wright-Phillips, Felipe, Dax [McCarty], and Sacha [Kljestan]. I’ve been playing against these guys for a long time, so it’s very easy to adapt. On top of that, a lot of guys here speak French like [Ronald] Zubar. I feel home already.
EG: The Red Bulls have a unique style of play with their high press, but you’ve played in a similar system under Peter Vermes while at Sporting Kansas City. Do you think that prior experience will help you acclimate here in New York?
AC: It’s very similar to Kanas City. There are a couple of things that are a bit different, but it’s the same mentality of pressing high, getting second balls, and playing fast; it should be easy.
I’m here to work and to win, so whatever it takes. Even if it isn’t easy, I’ll make sure I adapt as quickly as possible.
EG: At one point in your MLS career, you had a green card, which qualified you as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes. However, you’re currently listed as an international player. Can you explain that situation?
AC: I had the green card, but I made the mistake of getting married after I had received my green card. So I canceled my green card to get a regular visa, and when you get that visa, your wife automatically comes along. So after four years, thank God, my wife has come with me and we are living together in the states.
Right now, we’re doing the same process again, and in five months we should get the green card together. Now, everything’s good.
EG:It’s been a tough season for the Red Bulls defensively. How do you think you’ll be able to help turn things around?
AC: I’ve been watching this team and I think they’ve been very good. In this pressing system, everyone has to be on the same page. I think it’s just about having the recognition to see when you drop and when is a good time to press.
I think the transition is the most important thing. It’s very hard, but I know we’ll work hard on it. The coaches have showed me how they want to play, so I want to make sure that I know everything perfectly so we can get as many clean sheets as possible.
EG: After a solid season with Orlando City in 2015, they decided to go in a different direction this season. With a new lease on life here with the Red Bulls, what are your goals for 2016?
AC: They won the Supporters’ Shield already, now we just need the MLS Cup. Let’s go for that.
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