Last January, Érik Godoy agreed to a permanent deal that will see the rock-solid Argentine centre back continue to entertain the BC Place crowd following his successful loan spell with the club last season.
Godoy opened up to Hiscan Media TV recently, discussing his decision to remain in Vancouver, a potential return to league action, and life off the pitch.
“The truth is that when I arrived in Vancouver, I found a beautiful, impressive city. The club received me very well, I liked my teammates, the coaching staff and the league,” said Godoy. “I think personally, I had left everything on the field, in each training session and in each game, I am very grateful that the Whitecaps decided to sign me on a permanent basis. I'm glad to go back in town.”
Godoy touched on the effect that the returnees in the squad have had in passing across coaches’ instructions to new members of the team, a move that has brought more stability to the group.
“I think that this year when the preseason started, we had a different team. New players who came to reinforce the team and those of us from before who knew the coach's system merged perfectly. In the two games we played, we left a good image in Los Angeles beating the Galaxy,” said Godoy.
Godoy spoke on the stress of being far away from his family back in Argentina during this pandemic.
“They are all quarantined there. They can't go out at all, just to buy food, and they have to go home. Life becomes difficult without the chance of being able to go for a walk, to enjoy the day, without seeing your friends, your family because you cannot go out at all,” said Godoy.
Being away from the family has not been easy for the ever-present defender but his love for the game has helped him cope during these trying times.
“I obviously miss them, but I know that my priority is to play here. This is my job. I know that the footballer's life is very short, I will not play soccer all my life. I have to take advantage of these years of my maximum potential to play soccer. Afterwards I will have time, from the age of 35 and up, to be with my family,” said Godoy.
With his active presence on Vancouver’s backline, Godoy spoke on his regimen and routine to maintain fitness during the quarantine, a routine that follows team guidelines.
“The team gave us stationary bikes to keep us exercising. They give us meals every week, so that we continue eating well. And I in particular, keep going to the club gym, because injured players can go alone with the physiotherapist to use the club facilities,” said Godoy.
Godoy’s passion for soccer is no secret. A passion that was bred in Argentina where he competed for eight years of his professional career. The workhorse in defence touched on his experience playing in the Argentine Superliga and how it has guided his emergence in MLS.
“In Argentina, soccer for us is everything and we play in front of people who are very fanatic out there. We play all matches at full speed. Fans are very encouraging, they scream. They also demand a lot from you, the president, the coach,” said Godoy.
“I love playing here at BC Place. It is a very nice stadium. I always come out focused on the game, what I have to do, like help my teammates, the team and it's a beautiful stadium. They are very passionate here, they love the club and the city very much,” said Godoy.
From his teenage debut for Tigres in Argentina to his impressive first season with the ‘Caps, Godoy is here to stay. The Godoy show has just started for the Blue and White and he has a simple message for ‘Caps fans.
“Believe in us. This is a new Vancouver and each match we are going to leave everything to represent the city,” said Godoy.
