Wilfried Zaha speaks at his first official Charlotte FC press conference ahead of the team’s season opener.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Wilfried Zaha admitted he did not know a lot about Charlotte FC or the city itself before he began considering joining the club on loan. He shared at his introductory press conference he would search match highlights on YouTube, focusing mostly on the style of play of the team and how they were passing between one and another. However, his interest in MLS had peaked after seeing the growth of the league from afar.
“The standard’s definitely getting a lot better and it’s nice to see. Obviously the whole world knows so many players are coming here and they’re paying attention,” said Wilfried Zaha.
Zaha joins Charlotte FC as a proven goal scorer, something he knows will fill a void the team has had as a more defensively minded club.
“For me to come in, if we’ve got the best defensive record, the only aspect we need to improve is scoring goals and that’s where I fit in,” said Zaha. “And I’m like, ‘this is perfect I’m that missing piece in the puzzle’.”
After a decade-long career playing in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, Zaha has developed a resume that is renowned internationally. Zaha said he has felt Charlotte FC has welcomed him and have been willing to learn from his experience.
“For me when I see us, there’s so much room to improve,” said Zaha. “When someone’s willing to learn, there’s so much. Like me even speaking to Pat [Agyemang], he really wants to take in and learn off of me. I’m more than willing to give the wisdom I’ve got from me playing wherever.”
Since rumors began swirling of his arrival, Charlotte FC fans have been eager to see what the global superstar will bring to the city. Zaha shared his gratitude for the overwhelming reception but is ready to show what he can do to give back to them.”
“People speak, people talk but once I get on the pitch all I can do is prove,” said Zaha.
Zaha played 70 minutes in Charlotte FC’s final preseason friendly and feels ready heading into the season opener in Seattle this weekend. Charlotte FC returns to Bank of America Stadium for their home opener on March 1.Β
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