Football
Jen Chang, Soccer 16y

An afternoon chat with Jozy Altidore

HOUSTON -- It's late afternoon and I've just gotten back to my hotel after having spent most of the day chatting with Jozy Altidore and Kasey Keller. What had originally been intended to be just a quick 10-minute chat with Altidore turned into an extended conversation after Keller showed up and joined us (Keller's a interesting subject to talk to and totally hilarious as well). By the time ESPN's Shaka Hislop and the studio production crew showed up (Hislop and Keller go way back together) to meet me, it had become a full-fledged party, so we took it to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.


First things first, and what most U.S. fans want to know, is Altidore's status for the Olympics. By all accounts and according to Altidore himself, it looks like he's been cleared by Villarreal.


"I think I am playing in the Olympics, it's probably just a matter of how much time I get with the [U.S.] team," said Altidore. "If I'm called up, if I'm moved to the roster, hopefully I'll be a part of the whole thing."

Altidore also addressed the recent rumors that questioned whether he had lost some focus.


"It's just a writer's opinion. They try to write a piece on what they think is going on, which you have to respect, but I haven't lost focus at all. It was just some tough times, a tough start to the season," said Altidore. "There were a lot of things going on with the team, it's been a tough start for everybody. I have goals I set for myself that I don't let anything get in the way off. But I think I've been the same since I've been with the Red Bulls and since I've left."

In the meantime, Altidore is currently finishing his vacation and after taking part in Saturday's Free Kick Masters tournament will head to Spain next weekend, where he's due to show for his first practice with Villarreal on July 14.


I also went over the attendee list with Altidore as we talked about who we thought were the favorites to win the event (Altidore opted for Ronaldinho). In the middle of a conversation about Juninho Pernambucano (who was forced to withdraw earlier today due to unforeseen club commitments), I mentioned to Altidore that Juninho was 33 years old, to which Altidore replied, "Thirty-three? That's old man, I didn't realize he's that old."


It was at precisely this juncture that Keller showed up and chimed in with mock indignation, "Thirty-three is old? What are you talking about?"


Keller is one of the goalkeepers who will be on hand (along with David James, Jorge Campos, Francesco Toldo and Faryd Mondragon) in the tournament. He told me he was still "undecided" when I asked about his playing status for next season. At this point, Keller is mulling over retirement or playing one last season, but for now he's just here to enjoy the event.


When discussing whose free kicks were likely worry him, Keller pointed out that he wasn't too concerned with any one player, but did concede that "it'd be a heck of a lot of easier if I get to face guys like this guy right here" and pointed to Altidore, who burst out laughing.


As for Altidore (who confessed he had yet to practice any free kicks), he's excited about the new challenge that awaits him in Spain.


"It's going to be tough, it's a very technical league, it's a different level, a different style of play, so I'm going to have to go in there and be an observer for however long a time I have to be," said Altidore. "The most important part is working hard and having the right attitude, but I think if I stick with it, I think I'll get through it."


That's all for now, I'll check back in tomorrow with another update (and will blog live when the event starts at 8 p.m. ET), have a great Fourth of July.

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