Welcome to Monaco, Monsieur Freddy

A few photo’s of Freddy Adu’s AS Monaco press conference…

If he keeps doing that with his face it’s going to get stuck like that.

Freddy is cheesing because…
a.) At this point his new manager has yet to be fired.
b.) He thinks there is no way they can bench him after they spent a whole six minutes putting together this fancy backdrop.
c.) He is afraid of the creepy middle aged man in the suit eyeing him like he’s a Funfetti cupcake.
Or
d.) He knows that this sure beats being a lowly minion in Don Garber’s well publicized pony show known as the MLS All Star Game tonight in Toronto.

In addition to the nice photographs, AS Monaco’s official site also had an interview with the young American Olympian. Here is the translation…

Freddy Adu: Monaco, The Ideal Choice

After Freddy Adu’s loan was made official Thursday evening in California, the American international forward and his president, Jerome de Bontin, gave their thoughts in a press conference. Extracts…

Freddy, how do you feel after joining Monaco for the upcoming season?

I’m happy and proud! Monaco is a big club and I’m really excited to wear their colors. I realize how lucky I am; a new chapter in my life and career is beginning. I can’t wait to start this adventure!

What finally made up your mind?

Honestly, the club showed me that they really wanted me. What could be better for a player than to know that a president and a coach believe in you and think you can add quality to the team? For me it was ideal, I really wanted this to happen. In that respect, I want to sincerely thank M. de Bontin, Ricardo, and all the people who made this transfer possible.

When you first heard about the possibility of joining ASM, what images did you associate with the club?

For me, first of all it’s the Champions League final in 2004, the team made an exceptional run. Monaco also has a lot of history. As M. de Bontin reminded us, the list of big names who have worn this jersey is impressive. I don’t rate myself in that category but it’s an honor to become, like them, a player for AS Monaco.

What do you know about the French championship?

It’s a high-level competition. It’s known for being rather defensive, with very well organized units. It will be different from what I’ve known thus far but that will help me become a better player. I’m really excited to go up against that.

We know you’re a left-footed offensive player, but what is your favorite position on the pitch?

That’s not really a problem for me. In the middle, on one side or up top, I really don’t have a preference. I haven’t yet spoken with the coach about my future position but right now I’m only thinking about doing my best for the team. I’m going to work hard to show my attributes, whatever my position may be.

Looking back at last season, your first in Europe, playing for Benfica. What do you take away from that experience?

It was a beneficial season that allowed me to discover European soccer. But it wasn’t always easy for several reasons. I often joined the national team for the Olympic qualifiers, there was a coaching change and I was one of the youngest players on the team. I would have liked to have played more, especially in the second part of the season, but I trained hard all year next to great players like Rui Costa. I think I have progressed.

Starting on August 6th, you’ll be playing in the Olympic tournament in Beijing. What are the US’s chances in the competition?

We’re definitely in the hardest group with the Netherlands, Japan and Nigeria. Despite that, the whole team has belief. We’ve got a talented and motivated squad, and I think we can surprise a lot of people.

To finish up, a brief word on your level of French…

I know how to count to at least 10! (laughs) I have some vague memories because I studied French when I was younger, but it wasn’t enough. I’m going to really apply myself as soon as I arrive at the club!

Jerome de Bontin: An Important Event:

“On behalf of AS Monaco and all the supporters of our club, I welcome Freddy to our league. It’s an important event for ASM and for all of French soccer. Freddy Adu is a player who possesses the state of mind, the energy, the intelligence and the talent to realize the performances that we expect from him in these new colors. American soccer is still poorly known in Europe, and I’m convinced that Freddy and AS Monaco can change that. He’s joining today a succession of prestigious players who played at the heard of the Monegasque attack, such as Jan Koller, Christian Vieri, Emmanuel Adebayor, Javier Saviola, Fernando Morientes, Marco Simone, David Trezeguet, Thierry Henry, Sonny Anderson, Jurgen Klinsmann or even Delio Onnis, the leading scorer in club history and in the French first division.”

Source: AS Monaco Official Website