Photo: MLSsoccer.com
By Nino Torres
Columbus.- For Hernán Grana everything is new: country, club, language.
The defender has played his entire career in his native Argentina. His participation with The Columbus Crew SC is his first international experience and with only ten days into the preseason he feels comfortable.
“The guys made me feel comfortable the past couple of weeks and I think that is important. You come to a new club and you might not know the language very well and the culture but for guys to be receptive and just welcome you and make you feel comfortable, it has been great” said Grana, through a translator in a conference call from Lakewood Ranch Florida, where the team is having their preseason.
Grana has never been to the States before, but he had a great insider in Designated Player (and fellow countryman), Federico Higuaín, who is entering his third season with the Black & Gold.
“Speaking to Pipa and for me not traveling to the States ever, he expressed how welcome the city was. How welcoming the people were and how friendly and what a great city it was to live in.”
The language barrier is definitely a factor, but the Argentine is confident that with all the resources provided by the club and the positive attitude from his teammates he will overcome that obstacle sooner than later
“Even though I don’t know the language, and I’m learning everyday little by little, you can still see how these guys make you feel from your teammates, your staff. Anybody I met from the organization, its just almost like a loveable experience, I’m very appreciative.”
The defender recognized the MLS is gaining respect around the world, and when the opportunity to play here knocked his door he took it seriously
“It’s been said, and it’s been proven that this is a growing League, and it has been growing rapidly with guys like Federico[ Higuaín] coming here, guys like [Thierry] Henry as well. It is very highly talked about” Grana said.
“What we looked for, especially for me, I s the same thing that you look for at any club. To find success, work hard and try to make a staple for your team.”
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