American winger/striker Jemal Johnson has a unique story. Born in New Jersey, he grew up in Macclesfield in Cheshire and spent time with Manchester United before becoming a professional with Blackburn Rovers. A veteran of all four divisions of English professional football, Johnson moved back to the United States and currently plays with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the NASL, US’s second division. He has signed a pre-contract with the New York Cosmos and will join the legendary side after the Strikers current season concludes July 4th.

World Soccer Talk’s Kartik Krishnaiyer sat down with Johnson this past week in Fort Lauderdale to discuss his career in depth.  Among the topics covered was being an American growing up in the north of England, why Johnson supported a team from London while living in Macclesfield, his affinity for Milton Keynes and his move back to the US. Videography by Joshua Tomlinson.