The Dynamo acquired midfielder Cristian Maidana in a trade with the Philadelphia Union on Monday, the opening day of the trade window after Sunday’s MLS Cup. Maidana finished second in MLS with 15 assists last year and has 26 over the last two years, the most in the league. The Argentine has played with Argentinos Juniors (Argentina), Atlante (Mexico), Recreativo de Huelva (Spain) and Spartak Moscow (Russia). He spoke in his native Spanish to HoustonDynamo.com on Wednesday and the translated interview is below. Click here for Maidana's answers in Spanish.
HoustonDynamo.com: What are your thoughts on coming to the Dynamo?
Cristian Maidana: I have a really good feeling about it. I know that I’m going to a club where these past two years, unfortunately, they haven’t been able to make it to the playoffs. But when they first told me that I was going to Houston I did some research on the Dynamo and honestly I find it to be a club that with hard work can make it to the playoffs and win a championship. I have a great feeling about the Dynamo, the coaching staff, and I am very happy about becoming a part of this team. What I want most now is for everything to go well and to be able to give my best to the club.
HD.com: Were you surprised by the trade?
CM: Yeah, I was surprised by the trade. The coach called me and said that I was going to Houston. But I think that the Dynamo is a great team that has a lot of great players. I’m very happy to become a part of it.
HD.com: What are your impressions of the Dynamo after playing them four times over the last two years?
CM: It’s an excellent team, a very strong team. When I played against them it wasn’t easy. They have great players that have great form and that makes me think very well of the team. I’m going to arrive and give my best.
HD.com: Are you looking forward to returning to a warm climate, after playing in Mexico, Argentina, Spain and Chile?
CM: Yeah, well I was born in the providence of Buenos Aires, Argentina where it’s like 50 degrees Celsius. I’m already kind of used to it, but it has been a while since I’ve been there (in a warm climate). When I arrive in January for preseason, I will work hard to adapt quickly.
HD.com: What do you know about Houston?
CM: I’ve been told that there are a lot of Latinos that speak Spanish. That will be a great help for me to be able to meet people. Over here (in Philadelphia) I don’t know that many people because of the language barrier. I’ve also been told that Houston is a beautiful city and that I’ll adapt quickly. And well, I’ll be there soon to get to know the city and be there to stay.
HD.com: Have you had an opportunity to speak with head coach Owen Coyle or general manager Matt Jordan yet?
CM: I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with Owen yet. I’ve spoken with Matt Jordan, and he’s told me that they’re very happy with my arrival. They haven’t really talked about in what capacity they’ll be using me on the field, but they’re happy with my arrival, and I’m happy too. I hope 2016 will be a good one.
HD.com: How do you think you will fit into the current Dynamo team?
CM: Honestly, I don’t know yet. The coach is the one who decides how we play and in what position. Obviously, I will try to arrive in the best form, help everyone, and try to do my job. Next year, I am going to do my best to score more goals. I am going to help my teammates and the Dynamo.
HD.com: What do you think you can bring to the Dynamo next year?
CM: I’m going to do my best to score goals, assist and play my best. The coach will tell me what he needs from me for the good of the team and I will try my best to do it.
