Angel: I needed a change of scenery

Colombian international Juan Pablo Angel brings high expectations to the Red Bulls given his track record as a goal scorer in Argentina and England. Sulaiman Folarin caught up with Angel after a training session recently as he prepares to make his Red Bulls debut on May 13 against Colorado at Giants Stadium.

ESPNsoccernet: What was the major factor for leaving Aston Villa, and what attracted you to MLS, specifically the New York Red Bulls?

New York Red Bulls/Other

Juan Pablo Angel scored 44 league goals in six season with Aston Villa.

JPA: There were quite a few things. To be honest with you, my time was not really up [in England]. I didn't play that much in the last couple of months. The club wanted me to stay, but then again they were making a lot of changes; there was the new chairman, new coach and some more players coming in. I still had a year and a half left on my contract, so I could have stayed.

I thought that I also needed a change of scenery. Initially, I didn't consider the possibility of joining an MLS team. Obviously I was contacted and I managed to speak with Bruce [Arena] and Jeff [Agoos]. They expressed the vision of Red Bull and the role I would be playing as a part of this team. Also having the best coach and the most successful manager in American soccer history has to be attractive.

It would be a great opportunity to be part of a team that is important not just at present but also for the future and with a great company and personnel that supports you. Obviously, the fact that Claudio [Reyna] is here as well will also help me settle down quicker. Plus, when you consider the major steps the league is taking for the future, that was attractive to me, too.

ESPNsoccernet: What are your thoughts on playing with Claudio Reyna since both of you made the transition from the English Premier League?

JPA: Claudio [Reyna] is a fantastic player. He is a winner and he played most of his career in Europe, and that says a lot about him. It takes a lot to maintain a position in a league like the Premier League, and he did it. I played many times against him, and he is good not just for this team but also the league as a whole. The young players around will learn a lot from his experience and leadership.

ESPNsoccernet: Going back to Europe, were there any other options or opportunities apart from New York?

JPA: I really didn't explore the opportunities in Europe. When I saw the project and the direction this team was going, I thought it was a great prospect and I was hooked.

I'm sure there might have been more opportunities for me in Europe, but I just didn't explore it. There are a lot of positive things here that I do want to be a part of. It's also a challenge, a new experience, a new and different league, and a new system. Plus, my wife and kids were happy about the possibilities and opportunities that await me here.

ESPNsoccernet: What is your first impression of your new team?

JPA: So far, it has been good. I've been impressed with the organization, especially the mood around the camp. There is a great atmosphere amongst the players, and our position at the top of the league plays a huge role too. I'm impressed with the professionalism and the type of direction this team has, as well.

ESPNsoccernet: And your thoughts of the league itself?

JPA: I haven't had that much opportunity to assess it. Obviously, everything seems pretty new to me. I just think in a couple of months I will have adapted to the system here, and then I can give you a different reaction and answer. I know the structure of the league -- the two conferences and the playoffs -- so I'm aware how things run, but not totally.

ESPNsoccernet: What does Juan Pablo Angel add to the current roster?

JPA: Like I said, the good thing, and which is most important, is that we have a great start. We are topping the league right now. There is a great atmosphere and you cannot buy that. I would like to adapt to the team and get to know the guys; you know we have a lot of talented players. I would like that to happen as soon as possible, because that will make our lives much easier and we can build on what we already have. Remember, I will bring my years of experience in Europe and Argentina as a goal scorer to this team, and that is valuable.

ESPNsoccernet: Do you see yourself drawing more Latin American fans, specifically Colombians, to the stands?

JPA: I don't know. Only time will tell, and I've been told there is a large Colombian community around along with a huge Hispanic following, as well. I hope that now that I'm here I can help bring those fans to watch the team. It will benefit everyone, including the league, but we'll have to wait and see.

Sulaiman Folarin is a regular contributor to ESPN The Magazine and covers MLS and world soccer for ESPNsoccernet. He can be contacted at sulaiman4real@yahoo.com.