If a glowing display against the Chicago Fire on Saturday wasn't enough to endear Johnny Russell to Sporting Kansas City fans, the winger's wide-ranging interview on The Sporting KC Show will surely do the trick.
On Tuesday, Russell joined hosts Nate Bukaty and Carter Augustine for the weekly program on Sports Radio 810 WHB. The 27-year-old was instrumental in Sporting KC's wild 4-3 victory over Chicago, bagging his first MLS goal before assisting on Felipe Gutierrez's game-winner in the 86th minute to complete a remarkable comeback.
In an insightful discussion with Bukaty and Augustine, Russell talked about growing up as a Celtic FC fan in his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland, nearly signing for his favorite Scottish club before joining Derby County, and his decision to head overseas for an entirely new experience in Kansas City. He also rehashed the epic encounter with Chicago, which Russell believes will give the side plenty of belief heading into this weekend's home tilt with the San Jose Earthquakes.
"The standard (in Major League Soccer) is way above what people think it is," Russell said. "I wouldn't have come here if I didn't feel like it was a challenge. I'm not coming here to settle. I'm coming here to be successful and I'm coming here to win. And I feel like I'm with a team that can do that."
Listen to the full episode below, with Russell's segment beginning at the 12-minute mark.
