How is Fraser Aird settling into life in Vancouver?
The 21-year-old Canadian, who is on a season-long loan from Scottish side Rangers FC, discussed that and more in a recent interview with whitecapsfc.com.
What are some of the things you’ve learned so far this season?
The travel is a lot different than what I was used to. That’s one of the things I really needed to get my head around at the start. Travelling five hours to a game, showing up two or three days before, trying to get used to the time zones, it’s hard. Some people don’t understand how hard it is playing at different times, different states, different parts of America and Canada at times. It has been different. It’s been a learning curve, and that’s why I’m here. I’m still 21. I’m still young in the game, but the more experience I can get under my belt hopefully will be better for the future.
You’ve been praised for your intensity as of late. Where does that come from?
That’s just the makeup of what I do and how I play. Growing up playing football I was always energetic and always wanting to get the ball. And when I didn’t have the ball, I was always buzzing around trying to get it back. When I went to Scotland, they also instill that into you. When you give away the ball, you need to go back and get it. You’re not just going to sit in and expect teams to give you possession. You need to go back and work for it.
How’s life in Vancouver?
It’s been good. The weather has been a bit better than Scotland, that’s for sure. Even though people here are saying they haven’t had the best summer. My girlfriend and I actually thought the summer was really nice for a few months. Just waking up going to training, there’s nice weather all the time. It’s different coming home and you can do more things, you can go to the beach, go bike riding, go for walks at night. It’s really nice. It’s a lovely place.
What are some of the things you like to do for fun here?
My girlfriend and I like to go to the beach. We both love the sun. Whenever we get the chance to go out in the sun we take it. We like going walking, we’ve done one or two hikes in Vancouver during the season. It’s tough because of our schedule at times, but it’s been good. We like going for nice food as well. There are a lot of nice restaurants in Vancouver. The variety is amazing. There are a lot of things for everyone, which is good coming from a different country.
Have you golfed at all? You’re a big golfer, right?
Funny enough, I am a very big golfer and I actually played quite a bit in Scotland, but I’ve not played one round since I’ve been in Vancouver, which is quite surprising. That will have to change.
Who was your favourite soccer player growing up?
Frank Lampard was my favourite player when I was younger. He’s just a goalscoring midfielder. He always pops up with a goal. He was great at Chelsea during his time there. He had everything. He worked hard in both boxes and he scored lots of goals, and I think that’s what people remember about him most – how many goals he scored playing centre mid.
What’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to go to Australia. Obviously it’s quite far away and during the offseason it’s always tough with things going on. I’ve always wanted to go there and my girlfriend was actually born there. She moved to Scotland when she was two though so she doesn’t really remember much.
Do you have any superstitions?
I always put my right boot and shinpad on first. I don’t know why that is. I also kiss my shinpads before every game. There’s a picture of my nephews on them. That’s one thing I’ve always done.
How would people describe you as a person?
Loud. I guess you could also say I’m always happy. I always try to keep a smile on my face even when things aren’t really going my way. I always like to stay happy and find a better side of life. There’s people in a lot worse situations than I am. I’m just thankful for every day that I get the chance to do what I love playing football.
What’s your favourite TV show?
Right now I’d probably say Power. It’s in the third season right now. Me and the misses are addicted to it, that’s for sure.
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