MONTREAL ā During his public introduction, Victor Wanyama refused to turn around and reveal his No. 2 jersey for photographers. He tapped the Montreal Impact logo on his chest and said: āWhat matters is this.ā
Montrealās newest Designated Player wants to share the selflessness that served him well at Celtic FC, Southampton and Tottenham with his new teammates. And the 28 year-old wants to bring his passion and fighting spirit to MLS.
āFor me it's not about myself, itās about the team,ā Wanyama said. āI want to fight for my team and then we can become stars.ā
It was that attitude that drew Impact sporting director Olivier Renard and head coach Thierry Henry to Wanyama as well
āThe coach and I want to create a team on the pitch, not individuals, and he insisted on that many times during his press conference,ā Renard said. āIt's about the team spirit and the pride that he has to wear the colors of his new team.ā
The Kenya national team captain had a difficult end at Tottenham, having not started at the North London club since a League Cup defeat to League Two's Colchester United back on Sept. 24. Still, Wanyama said that he kept training and stayed fit, and Renard said he expects Wanyama to be available as soon as his visa goes through..
āI didnāt play for a bit of time but Iāve been training hard and Iām physically fit,ā Wanyama said. āFor the rest, Iāll leave it to the manager. My job is to work hard and impress him, the rest is for him.ā
Luis Binks, who trained with Wanyama at Tottenham, highlighted his teammateās work ethic and class, and believes the Kenyanās presence in front of the back line will be a great addition for the Impact.
āTowards the end he wasnāt involved with the starting XI a lot but he was still very professional,ā Binks said. āHe kept fit and heās a very good player.ā
Wanyama had three separate injury layoffs with Tottenham, but the 28-year-old insists he's been in recent good health.
āThat was three years ago and now Iām feeling strong again,ā Wanyama said. āIām looking forward to enjoying the game again.ā
Renard doesn't appear particularly worried, but understands a player of Wanyama's pedigree and experience is going to have received some knocks along the way.
āIf we all take a scanner right now weāll all find something,ā Renard said. āItās true that Victor had a few injuries, I had some in my career as well but it didnāt stop me from finishing my career. I continued to play and so will he. Our medical team checked all there is to check and we both are confident.ā