Paulo Wanchope (wahn-CHO-peh) made his Chicago Fire debut on August 4 against Columbus coming off the bench in the 58th minute. The Fire signed the World Cup veteran on July 27, 2007, adding a forward to compliment designated player Cuauhtémoc Blanco. Wanchope, who is nicknamed "The Cobra," most recently played for FC Tokyo, but is best known for his years in the English Premier League from 1996-2004, when he played for Derby County (1996-99), West Ham United (1999-00), and Manchester City (2000-04).
It was at Manchester City that the 6'3" forward first worked with Fire head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, who was then assistant coach at Manchester City. A native of Costa Rica, Wanchope has played in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups with the Costa Rican national team. Fire Insider had a chance to sit down with the Fire's latest signing recently to talk about everything from the English Premier League to his family to his greatest soccer moments.
Fire Insider: When did you start playing soccer?
Paulo Wanchope: "I started when I was six years old."
FI: What other sports did you play growing up?
PW: "I played basketball. When I went to high school I started playing basketball and played a year and a half here at Calexico [California]."
FI: Why did you choose soccer over basketball?
PW: "Because it is something that I have in my blood. My father, my uncle, and my two brothers played fútbol. So we have it in our system and that's why I decided to stick with fútbol -I mean soccer."
FI: Who has most influenced your soccer career?
PW: "I grew up watching great players like van Basten and Romario. So I always wanted to be like them and play in the best leagues, play in Europe. That's why I desire to keep playing."
FI: What do you do in your down time?
PW: "Last week I went to see the museum and the aquarium. There are some nice restaurants downtown and I enjoy it. It's very, very nice and I went shopping as well. I think I have more clothes than my wife."
FI: Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
PW: "No, no, not really. I just do normal preparations that every professional does: rest well, eat the right things, stretch, warm-up and play."
FI: What advice would you offer to youth soccer players who want to play professionally?
PW: "Concentrate on your game. It is important to rest. Know how to rest and how to eat the proper food so you can be ready to compete. And always try to achieve the highest. Whether it's to play in Europe and play in the World Cup and if you dream that you will work harder."
FI: What is the best soccer-related advice you have ever received?
PW: "That good things will come when you work hard. I remember even in basketball that coaches tell you that it is important to work hard and to suffer in training so you can enjoy the games. Every training session even when you feel very tired you need to keep going and the games will be easier for you."
FI: What's it like being a soccer player 24/7?
PW: "We're very privileged. I've done what I've wanted to do since I was six years old. We play and we get paid for that. It's a privilege to be a professional soccer player."
FI: You've played all over the world. Who has the best fans?
PW: "In general, the English fans are very passionate. They respect the player, the professional. I think they are the best fans. I did enjoy as well playing in Argentina. The atmosphere with all the songs was very nice."
FI: Where is the best place you have lived during your soccer career?
PW: "I enjoyed living in England. I lived in London and Manchester. I enjoyed Manchester more because it is not too big and not too small. There are a lot of things to do and the family was very comfortable there."
FI: What's the situation with your family moving over?
PW: "My wife and my baby girl, who is four years old, are coming in three to four weeks. My job is to look around for the best place to live. Hopefully, the move will happen very quickly."
FI: Which would you rank higher, English Premier League or La Liga? Why?
PW: "I think the English Premier League. Overall, I think it is the best. Every game you get an almost full stadium of supporters. The games are very competitive and very open. Every team wants to win everywhere. It doesn't matter if it is against Manchester United or Chelsea, they will put forth the effort to win, not to draw but always to win. And that's why it is very appealing to supporters."
FI: What's it like playing in the World Cup?
PW: "It's the highest point of every player's career. It's great. It's difficult to describe. It's a privilege to play in the World Cup and to score."
FI: How'd you get the nickname, "The Cobra?"
PW: "Actually when I played in Copa America in 2001 in Colombia, reporters from Argentina started calling me 'The Cobra.' From there, I guessed they liked 'The Cobra.' But in Costa Rica, they just call me 'Chope.'"
FI: You have one game left to play before you retire. Do you choose to play with one of your club teams or the Costa Rican National Team?
PW: "I think the National Team. I am very passionate about my country and very passionate to play for my country. It is a great experience to defend the colors and to take them to the World Cup."
FI: What was your most memorable match and/or goal?
PW: "There are two. My debut in England we played against Manchester United at Manchester United. Derby County hadn't won there for four years. We won the game and I scored a goal so that was great. And of course, at the World Cup. To open a game against host Germany and score two goals was great. The only that was missing was that we lost the game."
FI: What was the important reason you picked the Fire?
PW: "One of the key things was that Juan (Carlos Osorio) was here. I know him and I know the quality that he puts into the training. I talked to Andy Herron who used to play here. He told me about the city and the club. So I just decided to make the move."
