When Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the re-signing of Nicolas Mezquida on Thursday, Carl Robinson described the Uruguayan as a “fantastic teammate who brings a positive frame of mind.”
That’s something I experienced first-hand this past season.
Well, not necessarily the “teammate” part (as much as I’d like to think so, I’m not actually on the team).
From the moment Nico joined the group in Arizona back in February, it was clear to see he was a person who would, as Robinson often puts it, be "a joy to work with.”
During that trip, whenever I crossed paths with Nico he’d always make a point to come over and shake my hand or give me a thumbs up (even after I beat him in a heated ping pong match). Those types of interactions weren’t limited to that trip either – they continued throughout the year literally every time I saw him around the training centre or elsewhere.
<a href="//www.youtube.com/embed/z8Xfc4RA06M?rel=0"></a> |
<b>Mezquida sings some Bob Marley on the bus ride to Seattle</b> |
That’s just how Nico is with everyone, whether it’s his teammates, coaches, the club’s support staff or fans. He’s a fun guy to be around, as you can see through this great video from the bus ride to Seattle back in October (he was one of a few different players who took to the mic), but he's also extremely motivated.
Last month, a few days after the ‘Caps were eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs, club videographer Zac Ratcliffe and I interviewed a few players as a part of a “Top 5 Moments” video series we’ll be releasing later this month.
After we interviewed Nico, he stayed behind for a good 10 minutes talking to us about how much he enjoyed being a part of the club and how much he wanted to be back in 2015.
“I know I can show more,” he told us.
He also spoke about how much he enjoyed working with Robinson and the coaching staff.
As he was leaving, Zac said: “See you next year.”
Nico responded: “I hope so.”
I’m glad he got his wish. And judging by the reaction from Thursday's announcement, I'm not the only one.
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