Sure, he might be slightly biased, but it's still a significant statement coming from the US national team's No. 1 forward and the biggest American star in the English Premier League.
Sunderland's Jozy Altidore recently participated in a Google+ Hangout with social media news outlet Mashable and Altidore offered his unprompted take on the best fans in Major League Soccer.
Responding to a question about the start of his career with the Red Bulls, Altidore put his MLS stint in perspective.
"I lived by New york City, really close to New York City. And to play in that stadium and to play around those fans, which I think are the best fans in the league, it's just different and you play with a chip on your shoulder because you're playing in a place where they expect a lot," Altidore said (watch 16:20 mark in video above).
"So I think that helped me a lot from the get-go, being at a place where a lot is expected of you already. It helps you deal with pressure at a young age and nothing can beat that."
Altidore scored a total of 15 goals in 37 appearances over a three-year period with the Red Bulls between 2006 and 2008. He would later move to Spanish side Villarreal on a multi-million dollar transfer.
"It's something I'll never forget - scoring goals for them," Altidore continued about his time in MLS. "And helping transcending the league and opening more doors for young players. It was an honor to play in the league and do that … That league was a huge platform for me."
