In the latest part of our ongoing series, we corner New York Red Bulls soccer star Joel Lindpere and shoot him a few questions about life in the MLS...
Joel Lindpere
New York Red Bulls Midfielder
Birthplace: Tallinn, Estonia – May 10 1981
How and when did you start playing soccer?
When I was seven. I started with basketball and karate but I didn’t really like it, so I started playing soccer and I got stuck with it.
When you look back, which players did you most admire when you where younger?
I always wanted to be like Rivaldo… Rivaldo he was always my favorite player.
Why?
Oh, I just liked his style of playing. When you have somebody as an idol, you stay with them forever.
And which clubs did you like most or do you like also today?
I really like clubs who play in the style I love to play. Teams like Barcelona and Arsenal. I think these two play really good soccer.
@ Getty Images
What do think is so special about New York and New Jersey?
The two areas are like different worlds. New Jersey, where I live, is calm and good for relaxing; and New York is exciting with lots of traffic. I have to say, I really like the mix. It’s kind of nice to live in New Jersey but nice to know that I can always go to the city whenever I want to go.
Do you have a favorite hotspot in one of your two worlds?
I really like downtown New York. It’s a great place to have dinner, I like hanging out there people-watching. The neighbourhood is just fantastic.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or bar there?
Actually, I don’t have a special one. I going to different places. In New York there are so many, so it’s nice to explore different restaurants. But when I moved here I started to love spicy food, so I do prefer going to Cuban and Mexican restaurants.
Who is your best friend on the team?
I think we have a good community spirit, but you know Tim [Ream] is from Finland and I'm from Estonia? So we're very good friends. We both live in the same building. He lives just upstairs, so we're like neighbours and hang out a lot. But I have some other good friends on the team, too. When we travel, for example, my roommate has been Roy [Miller] for the past two years, so he is a really good friend too.
You have a busy schedule during the season – where do you relax?
We had a day off yesterday so me and some friends decided to play tennis. But I also love to bowling, I play pool. Actually, I like a lot of sports. I also have a golf set, but I'm not very good and I get a bit tired of it.
Have you been to the New York Golf Club at Chelsea Piers? What's it like playing golf over the city?
Yes, it was fun. I was there with a friend, kicking long balls.
You mentioned your love of tennis – did you go to the US Open?
Oh, I love the US Open. Last year I was there nearly every day. But this year I couldn’t go because we were away with the team, plus the Estonian players didn’t make it far.
Did you watch the final between Djokovic and Nadal on TV?
Of course! Me and my team-mates, we watched it together and we put some bets on.
Who did you go for?
I bet on Nadal, so I lost $100 and a dinner. Well, that happens sometimes.
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