The Vorstsestraat in Sint-Gillis will soon become Wall Street in New York. Dante Vanzeir (24) traded the fairy tale of Union for his American dream in the MLS. Before his departure, he gave a farewell interview to Sporza: “It is not because you play football in the US that you disappear from the globe.”
“Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New Yoooork!”
In the car, Dante Vanzeir is already singing the well-known tune about his future home aloud.
More than a week after it was announced that the striker would exchange Union for New York RB, Vanzeir is counting down the days before the departure. He is currently maintaining his condition in Austria at sister club Salzburg, but Vanzeir wants to hit the MLS as soon as possible.
It was by no means an easy choice.
Vanzeir leaves with Union the club that relaunched him definitively. And then in full title battle, in the middle of the season.
“I realize that I’m missing a nice course”, the striker sighs. “I hope they win a prize, but then it would be difficult that I did not stay. Only now was the time to leave, because the American competition starts in February.”
“However, when I said goodbye, I noticed that the supporters really want me to make this transfer. That made a lot of sense, by the way. Tears have been shed, because I will miss this wonderful club.”
No blowout competition
Although the new challenge will undoubtedly act as a comforting thought.
Vanzeir awaits a sporting challenge to become the flagship of one of the most prestigious clubs in the MLS. And of course he ends up in a metropolis that has no equal.
The eyes of the Red Devil are shining: “It is the total package that appeals to me. At 24 I can embark on such an adventure because I have no responsibilities yet. Look, football is one of the most important things in my life, but there are other important things.”
Although Vanzeir emphasizes that the sporting project was especially attractive.
“The story of Red Bull is one that suits me perfectly. The team plays to my qualities, has ambition and charisma. It also played a role that I had to use my knees (Vanzeir already tore his cruciate ligament twice, ed.). won’t have the longest career.”
I want to show that you can make it as a youngster and that you don’t just go there to blow your mind.
Only: isn’t the MLS a football retirement home where stars spend their last years? Just think of Thierry Henry, who crossed the ocean at the age of 32 to add some goals to his tally at New York.
Vanzeir shakes his head: “The MLS is a fast-growing league and that also makes it more attractive for younger players. I want to show that you can make it as a youngster and that you don’t just go there to blow your mind.”
“Moreover, I don’t take a greater risk than with a transfer to a European club. I might end up on the bench there and then you will soon be forgotten.”
Vanzeir even keeps dreaming aloud of a selection with the Red Devils: “It’s not because you play football in America that you disappear from the globe. If I can reach my level and present good statistics, I certainly have a chance at a selection Especially now that more young people from the MLS are transferring to Europe.”
Vanzeir relaunched his career at Union.
Red Bull-project
Vanzeir does not rule out a return in the future either.
Especially in the structure of Red Bull, stars easily end up at European toppers such as Leipzig and Salzburg. Just think of Sadio Mane and Erling Haaland…
“That is not a guarantee,” says Vanzeir. “They don’t say if you sign that you might end up at Leipzig or Salzburg, but I am convinced that it will make the step to one of those clubs easier. However, that is not the main ambition why I joined the project. “
Another factor that played a role is the financial picture: “I have improved a lot,” said the striker, who will undoubtedly also visit Wall Street.
“I do Forex Trading (trading foreign currencies, ed.)”, he laughs. “I’m not a banker, but someone who tries to be smart with money.”
Although Vanzeir will soon mainly want to ensure returns on the field.
