Seven questions with new Inter Miami star, U.S. national team defender DeAndre Yedlin
Inter Miami’s newest star – U.S. national team right back DeAndre Yedlin – was formally introduced to the media on Thursday. He wore a huge smile through a wide-ranging interview that covered his reasons for leaving Europe to return to MLS, why he chose Miami and his passion for fashion.
Q: What drew you to Miami?
A: There’s a lot of reasons for me coming here. Something people don’t realize about professional footballers is football is a big part of your life, but it’s not your whole life. I now have a daughter. She was born in September. For the first time in my life, I’m having to make decisions not just for me but for a family. It was huge to be able to come back and be closer to family. My girlfriend has tons of family in the West Palm Beach area, so she’s incredibly happy to be here. I’m incredibly happy to be here. I’ve vacationed in Miami a lot. I love the area. The people. The vibe. The atmosphere. When I was presented with opportunity to come here and play the sport I love, it was a no brainer.
Q: Was your interest in fashion a factor, as Miami is a trendy, fashion-conscious city?
A: I like to think of myself as a creative person. Not just fashion, but music and art, too. Fashion is the outlet for me when mentally I need to get away from the game. I enjoy getting dressed up every day. Some people don’t like my ‘fit (outfit), some people do. It’s personal preference. I’m looking at starting my own line and being in Miami, fashion is a big part of the city. I’m not saying it was a major factor in me coming here, but it was a cherry on top when making my decision.
Q: How much was your relationship with Inter Miami chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson a factor in your coming here?
A: It was huge. I have a great relationship with Chris. I’ve known Chris since I was six years old. His brother was my youth coach. And Chris was the one I spoke to when I went to Seattle (Sounders). We had great dialogue. He was telling me about this project, the ambition of the club, and it seemed like a perfect fit for me. Chris played a vital role. I really trust him and I’m fortunate for working with him again.
Q: The World Cup will be at the end of the club season this year, rather than in the middle. How will that affect your approach to the season?
A: Some players may try to protect themselves and say `I don’t want to get injured.’ But I’ve always been somebody who likes to live in the now. When I’m on the pitch I give it my all. There’s not going to be any backing out or taking training days off. This is what I’m focusing on now, the season. And when we qualify for the World Cup, then I’ll focus on that. Nobody has to worry about that. I’m not going to cut any corners. I’m going to give it my all the whole season.
Q: How has your defending improved since you left MLS?
A: With attackers, you can throw in an 18-year-old and they can do amazing things. You can be youthful and be very good. Defending, with experience you get better and better. The more I do it, the better I’m going to get. When I was in MLS, it was a weakness in my game, not just 1 v 1 but positionally. Now I’m coming back with a lot more experience playing different positions, formations, situations, I’m a lot more comfortable in those situations. I’m a lot better defender now than when I left.”
Q: How does your big game experience with the national team help this team?
A: It’s all about perspective. If you asked me that back in 2013, I’d have said a big game is Seattle vs. Portland. If you asked me now, I’d say playing in a World Cup, or Galatasaray vs Fenerbache, Newcastle vs Sunderland. For me, all those games and situations I’ve been put in, they’re all part of the experience I now have, experience that a lot of the younger players don’t have. I’m gonna do whatever I can do to pass along that knowledge to the younger players to make them the best they can be.
Q: As the fashion maven you are, what’s your opinion on Inter Miami’s team colors – pink and black – and what do you think of the uniform and the new (yet to be revealed) pink jersey?
A: I love them. It’s a great looking jersey. If it didn’t have my name on the back, I’d probably wear it out to the beach. The black one, too. I’ve had tons of people hitting me up, saying `Yo, I need that.’ I love it. I can’t wait to see everyone rocking that jersey out at the stadium.”
This story was originally published February 10, 2022 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Seven questions with new Inter Miami star, U.S. national team defender DeAndre Yedlin."