Newly signed Sporting Kansas City defender Nicolas Isimat-Mirin describes himself as a free man.
After undergoing a 10-day quarantine period in Arizona, the 29-year-old French center back has finally joined his new club for preseason training. Isimat-Mirin, who politely asks to be called “Isi,” spoke to media members today for the first time since inking an MLS contract earlier this year. His press conference remarks are below.
On his first impressions of Sporting…
My name is “Isi” and I like to be called like that. My first impression of Kansas City was very good. I have a good, confident feeling and I am happy to join the team. I see such quality in at the moment in training. I haven’t seen the facility and the training complex in Kansas City, but people speak very good about this so I am excited to start.
On traveling from Europe to the U.S. to join his new team…
It’s been kind of a long process. I had to finish my contract with my (previous) club and get my visa and my family (settled), but I’m very excited to be here and I am glad Kansas City got me here as soon as possible. After that, I tried to be ready and stay focused.
I just joined the group here last Saturday. I was in quarantine, so I had to stay alone for 10 days. It was quite long for me. I was even shaking in my room and (jealous) to see other people training and having a beautiful time. It was very exciting for me to join the team.
On how he spent his time in quarantine at the team’s hotel…
I did a lot of core exercises and a lot of cognitive exercises. I got a COVID test everyday, too. I was able to do some cycling in my room. It was a lot of time but I am like a free man now.
On what drew him to Sporting…
I had a discussion with Brian (Bliss) and Peter (Vermes). I was in Europe and they showed me a little bit about the project here in Kansas City. They spoke truth to me and about their ambition and about the project. I was eager to see this country and this project and the quality and spirit of this club. The DNA of this club is very good. I will do my very best to make this a successful project and I just have to try my best in every way. I am here to bring positive spirit and to help the team as best as I can. I am happy to be back playing football in nice conditions.
On how he feels about MLS…
MLS will be a new step for me. It will be a big competition in the future and right now it’s good, too. It’s better now than it was a few years ago. We are seeing more big players come (here) like Kaka, Nani, Ibrahimovic, Rooney—so many good players. But I know some players who have come here, too—Jurgen Locadia from Cincinnati. I played at PSV Eindhoven with him and he spoke to me very highly about the league. I can see after a few days of training, you run a lot and the team is very focused and structured on everything. That is exactly what I like.
On what he can bring to Kansas City…
The question is more what Kansas City can bring me: the challenge. I like to challenge myself in everything. It’s never too late to learn and upgrade. I’m in a good part of this country and ready for this year.
