Some highlights from Charlie Davies’s conference call with a few members of the meeting this morning after training with D.C. United.
On where he stands physically: “I’m fully recovered from all the injuries that I’ve had. Of course, on the soccer side of things, I still have a lot to improve on, but I think I’m ready to take that next step, which is contributing, being a contributor on the field and helping the team that I’m playing for win games and also in the process, getting my form back. Physically, I feel great. I feel ready to go.”
On the ironic twist of fate that could see him return to Washington, the site of his fateful car accident in October 2009: “I think that’s a great thing. Of course, it’s not the city made the mistake that night, it was me. It was a bad decision, but the fans there are unbelievable and the support they showed for me that game against Costa Rica following my accident, words can’t really describe the passion that they showed for me, and I’d love to have the chance and the opportunity to play in front of them and make things happen.”
As for the potential fit with D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen, Davies said it was pretty much a done deal from his perspective when he learned the MLS opportunity would be with D.C. United under Olsen: “I’d say it’s a wonderful opportunity. I had a chance to play with him. H e’s seen me when I’m in form, and he knows what I need to do to get back to that, exactly what it takes. He’s been there, he’s done it so it’s a great coach to have to push you in right direction to where you need to be. I think for me, it’s an amazing chance to get to play at D.C. Obviously, the players, I know a couple of them, and I’m really impressed with the quality here so I think it’s a great fit.”
On his speed: “I feel really good with my speed at the moment. At times I feel so fast, I feel great. I feel quick. I feel that I’ve took the necessary strides to get back to where I need to be to be successful. I’m very happy with that. Of course, you can always improve on every facet of your game so. Do I need to improve on different things? Of course. I haven’t played in a year at a high level, in a competitive match so I still have to progress, but I feel very happy with where I am right now, and I think of course, with work, I’ll be a force and back to being a successful striker. “
On the future, such as returning to Europe: “I’m only thinking about the right now, which is getting a chance to play for D.C. United and to get back in form, which is scoring goals and creating goals and winning games.”
Were there any particular advantages or disadvantages with coming back to the U.S.: “For me, there’s not really any difference at this point. For me, I think it’s an advantage to be playing, getting the match time I need and to be under the right coach, to put me in the right direction and to have the teammates’ full confidence in you and to go on and help the team win the games. For me, there’s only advantages for me to be here, to be in the U.S., to be comfortable, to be pushed in the right direction and of course to never really take the foot off the pedal as far as reaching my lifelong goals as a player, which is to be the best player I can and go on and do big things.”
His relationship with the club that owns his contract, Sochaux: “I think Sochaux knows I will eventually get to where they want me to be. I think the problem now is two strikers in front of me (Modibo Maiga, Brown Ideye) both have 9 goals each and are fifth in the league in goal-scoring. At the time, the coach has his hands tied as far as giving me the chance to really show what I can do and to get the playing time I need to really get back into form. That’s where it is right now. It’s something you can understand, and I understand it, and I’ve taken it well. I’ve moved on to try and get in the right situation, which I think I’ve found.”
Does joining D.C. United feel like an evaluation? The club gave fair warning in its statement that this wasn’t a done deal: “For me, it’s just getting on the field and proving myself. I’m just showing that I’m back. For me, I’m just having fun to go out there and show everyone that I’m back, that I’m recovered. For me there’s no real pressure, it’s just going out there and being who you are and showing what you can do.”
