BRIDGEVIEW, IL—From the start of the season, when Aleksander Katai arrived to the Chicago Fire, his dream was to be playing for the club for a long period of time. His dream became a reality just over the last week when the team decided to sign him for the rest of this year, into 2019, and with an option for 2020.
Katai was on loan from Deportivo Alaves. He arrived in the early part of February this year and was supposed to return by the end of the month of July until he was put under contract by the Chicago Fire. He’s among the team leaders with goals this season.
He also tallied a goal and assisted on another one in the 4-0 victory over Louisville City FC in the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup match at Toyota Park on Wednesday night.
“I wanted to be with the club and it’s very good for me,” Katai said. “I think it’s also good for the club for me to sign the contract. I think the chemistry is good. We have lost some games, it’s happened but we’re going in a good way for something good.”
Waiting for the contract to happen was a bit nerve wracking for Katai, but he really never showed it in his play on the field. He just seems to have the ability working well with many other players in practice and in matches.
“It’s much easier for me and I don’t have to think about those things for now and it’s much better,” Katai added. “We have great chemistry, we’re like a big family and I think it’s very important in soccer.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger is one of the players that enjoys the move that Katai will be a big part of the future for the Chicago Fire. He sees a number of things that he can do on the field.
“Katai is a very important player that can make a difference,” Schweinsteiger said. “On the field, especially with the ball, as you can see he can create many chances to score and help the team that way. I’m very happy to have him here.”
Keeping the attack going forward, Katai has one of the stronger finishing touches for the club and he’s a big part in trying to see the team get better. Having him around for the rest of the season just might be one of the best moves for the Fire this season so far.
“He’s the one pushing us forward,” Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic said. “I always want more from him because he can give more. He’s an important player for us and we’re very happy making the right move at this point of the season.”
Chicago Fire
MLS
August, 2024
