Following are quotes from former France international Youri Djorkaeff, who has joined the MetroStars for the 2005 season.
On joining the MetroStars after years of discussions:
"I am very excited to join the club, and I am very excited about this new challenge in my playing career. Today, is the end of a long story of sorts, because I first spoke to Nick about coming to the MetroStars four years ago. We almost came then. Since then we have stayed in contact, and over the past six or seven months we have been working really hard to get this deal done, and I am glad that we are finally coming to Major League Soccer and America."
On his meeting with MetroStars head coach Bob Bradley:
"Coach [Bob Bradley] came to Manchester when I was there in December, and we spoke for a long time, and after that I knew that I wanted to come."
On his impressions of MLS:
"Each year I vacation in California, and this summer I was in California when the MetroStars played the Galaxy in Los Angeles. Also, I have seen the national team play many times, because now since 1994 the U.S. national team has been doing very well throughout the world. They have proved that the level of play in the U.S. is very good."
On MLS fans:
"Because of all the young players, I think that the people in the U.S. are starting to really enjoy football, or soccer. I hope that when I come there we will have success, and more and more people will want to watch us play."
On his experiences in New York City:
"Everywhere in New York is different. Uptown, downtown, everywhere is a different story. Last time I was there I went to Chelsea and Soho and it was very good. Everywhere is good. It is a big city that is very eye-catching. I love New York."
