Jose Francisco Torres Speaks

From today’s training session here in scorching hot South Florida:

“My career is in Mexico, my team is in Mexico,
I have been there since I was 16 years old and now I am on the other
side with the US national team. I think it is going to be a great
game, playing against Mexico in Mexico. We are going down there to try
and beat Mexico.”

“I get it a lot (boos), with my club team I get it a lot.
I guess it is part of soccer, people will say things, boo you, I am
used to it – I don’t think it will hurt me or anything. I am prepared
for anything.”

On playing for the USA:
“People say I am a traitor that I am a racist, because I am
with the US team, but it is part of soccer everything, words won’t
hurt you, won’t kill you. I just try to work hard everyday and do my
best, give everything I’ve got to earn myself a spot on the Us
national team. I am ready and prepared for this game, to live it.”

“At first I never knew, I had the
chance to play in the Olympic games but my team didn’t release me – I
never knew I would make it to the national team – I thought my chance
was over and I think Bob when he sees talent he keeps his attention on
you. I am doing good things with my team and trying to do good things
here with Bob, I am happy and I don’t regret the decision I made – I
am good with the national team.”

“It was a good experience in South Africa – I wanted
to play but I was there with the team. It was a good experience to see
Italy, Brazil and Spain and beat Spain that is one of the great teams
in the world, I think we did a great job and now I think we will do a
good job in Mexico.”

Torres prefers playing on the left side of midfield.
“I like to get on the ball and attack.”

On Azteca:

“Its part of the show, probably won’t
hear each other because the stadium is so loud. I can block it off,
its not going to bother me at all, if I get to play, I’ll probably get
booed – but its part of the game”

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