Offseason signing Marcelo Sarvas was a revelation on-and-off the field this preseason. With his play on the field and his barbecuing skills off of it, the Brazilian midfielder has won over teammates and fans alike. We sat down with Sarvas ahead of the start of the season to get his thoughts on signing with the Galaxy, his initial impression of the club and the league and adjusting to life in L.A.
What where your initial thoughts when you heard the LA Galaxy were interested in you?
Marcelo Sarvas: "I've always liked the United Stales and the idea of playing here. The club that most got my attention was the Galaxy, who today are no doubt the biggest club in the league and are known all over the world. I was very happy to, first off, get the attention of the club and to have been offered a contract."
You've played in Brazil, Sweden, Poland, Costa Rica and now the U.S. What are your early impressions of the sport in this country?
MS: "I think MLS is very comparable with the style of football they play in the Northern parts of Europe, the Nordic countries like Poland, where I played, Sweden, where I also played. Very physical, lots of contact, not like the Latin-style which is more tactical and more dribbling and things like that."
How's the transition to L.A. coming along?
MS: '"It's good. It's true that every player needs time to adapt, some adapt quickly, some require one month or five months, but the guys on the team, Bruce and the coaching staff have been great and I feel real good right now. It feels like I've been here for a long time and I feel at home."
What were your first impressions of the atmosphere in the locker room?
MS: "It's a great locker room. There are some great players and they obviously cultivated a very united locker room, which makes it easy to work. I think they all have the same attitude as it relates to training, competing and going out and doing our best on gamedays. So, that makes it easy on us, the new guys that are coming into the team, as far adapting quickly. It feels good."
What's it been like playing with players like David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane?
MS: "Well, just a Few months ago I was of a fan theirs, now I'm teammates and friends with them. It's very nice to see a player like Beckham, who's already won everything, and has lived it all, still have the drive and ambition to win. Even thought we are all experienced players, there's a lot we can learn from them also."
Finally, have you gotten a chance to check out L.A. yet? Are there any particular places you've enjoyed more than others?
MS: "No, the month and half I was here I was living in a hotel and then we went to Arizona and Toronto. But what I've seen so far I've really liked. I think it's a very beautiful city, I have gone out to dinner a couple times and I've made it out to some of the beaches, and I think my family is really going to enjoy it here."
