Interview #31- Rocco Romeo

Rocco Romeo is a Canadian professional soccer player currently signed to Toronto FC, where he plays on their USL League 1 side, Toronto FC II. Romeo, a Toronto native, joined Toronto FC as an academy player in 2013. The defender has also made appearances for the Canadian u17 and u20 squads. Only 19, Romeo has tons of talent and a bright future ahead of him.

1. Growing up in Toronto, what was youth career like? 
I started playing football at the age of 3 and have continued ever since. At first I just simply started by playing for the love of the game in house league, then I wanted to compete and play at a rep level where games are meaningful and you play for something, this started around the age of 7 or 8. I then joined the Toronto FC Academy in 2013 and have joined the organization ever since. 

2. How was the transition from the Toronto FC youth academy to Toronto FC II, who at the time we’re playing in the USL Championship?
The transition wasn’t too big of a jump for me. I felt that the academy gave me my opportunity and I took full advantage of it because you never know when you’ll get another one. I’ve always been put to play with the older group’ so I guess you can say I understood the physical aspect of the game, it was just more about learning and developing the game at a higher and more experienced level. During the USL Championship season, we would go up against sides such as FC Cincinnati, New York Red Bulls II, Indy 11, Nashville, etc.

3. How were you feeling after signing your first professional contract in 2017?
If I have to be honest, it was a good feeling but I was also feeling not satisfied because I knew there was a lot more steps and obstacles to where I want to be. However, not many people can say they play for their hometown and sign a contract at the age of 17, so yes I was proud. But I knew it was just a step closer to my overall dream, so the work I was putting in before had to be doubled so that I could compete consistently at the next level. At the end of the day, it was a blessing and I give all my glory to the Lord and my family for helping and guiding me throughout this journey. 

4. Outside of Toronto, you’ve made several appearances for the the Canadian MNT u17 & u20 squads. What does it mean for you to wear your country’s badge?
I think representing yourself country is one of the highest honours you could get as a footballer. Saying you represented your national team on a big stage is a real accomplishment in any sport. There will forever be a difference atmosphere when representing your club versus your country. The feeling is just unique when putting on that red and white kit with the maple leaf.

5. Who’s the best player you’ve ever played against?
There hasn’t been too many ‘big names players’ that I’ve gone up against, however I’ve gotten the opportunity to play alongside some top ballers such as Viktor Fischer, Alphonso Davies, Andreas Bjelland, Jonathan David and Guillermo Varela for example. 

6. What’s the coolest stadium you’ve ever played in?
The coolest stadiums I’ve played in would be JYSK Park which is in Silkeborg, Denmark - it’s where I’ve made my debut on my loan in Denmark this past year. OlympiaStadion which is in Helsingborg, Sweden - it’s where I’ve played an exhibition match with FC Copenhagen’s first team this past year. FNB Field which is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - it’s where I made my first professional start in 2017. Each of these stadiums have a personal connection with me and has shown my development of where I started and where my progression has taken me.

7. What is the biggest thing that has stood out to you in your step up from academy to pro?
Consistency has been the biggest stand out step. Being consistent in football terms means doing the right things day in and day out. Some examples are having a level head, good training habits, taking care of your body, saying no to distractions, getting positive results, etc. It does not get easier once you move up in the ranks, if anything it gets harder but it all should be motivation to become a better footballer and person.

8. What’s the most memorable moment from your professional career?
Currently it has been playing an exhibition match for FC Copenhagen’s first team. It just gave me a little taste of playing in a big stadium with a few thousand fans and playing at a very high level. Plus being eighteen at the time and Canadian, those types of opportunities rarely come around so I’m very thankful I gotten the chance.

9. What’s the coolest stadium you’ve ever played in?
The coolest stadiums I’ve played in would be JYSK Park which is in Silkeborg, Denmark - it’s where I’ve made my debut on my loan in Denmark this past year. OlympiaStadion which is in Helsingborg, Sweden - it’s where I’ve played an exhibition match with FC Copenhagen’s first team this past year. FNB Field which is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - it’s where I made my first professional start in 2017. Each of these stadiums have a personal connection with me and has shown my development of where I started and where my progression has taken me.

10. Who’s your greatest role model and why?
I have five role models that I’ve always looked up to. First, Paulo Maldini because he’s one of the best defenders to ever play and is so calm in defending situations. Second, Sergio Ramos because he is an absolute beast and shows that dark side of the game which I’m slowly developing into my game. Third, Ronaldinho because he gave me the confidence to be confident on the ball anywhere on the pitch plus he always enjoys himself. Forth, David Luiz because he is very competitive and very good with both feet in terms of dribbling and distribution. Lastly, Virgil Van Dijk because he is one of the most complete centre backs today, fits the physical presence but also very calm in any situation attacking or defensively.

11. What’s the biggest misconception about being a professional?
I’d say the most mainstream misconception is that professional athletes are known for going to training and doing nothing the rest of the day. However it’s much more complicated. Some athletes have families to look after so they are a footballer during the morning, but a father the rest of the day. For example with me, I do online university or read books afterward my morning sessions or go do my recovery work the rest of the day or arrange some plans with my family or friends. 

12. You’ve mentioned you’ve played against players like Alphonso Davies. What do you learn from playing and watching players of his caliber?
When I go up against or play with players who have more experience than I do in any position, I tend to notice their habits on and off the pitch to pick up little bits that I could learn from or pick up from. For example, if your training session starts at 10AM, you should head out onto the pitch half an hour before getting some touches or working on something to help improve your game.

13. What are your main goals for the future? 
My overall dream as a footballer is to play in the UEFA Champions League. But for now, I have small goals such as cracking into the first team, playing for the first team consistently and eventually winning the championship. But I always remember to enjoy myself and always have a competitive edge because I hate losing. 

14. If you could sit down and eat dinner with three people, who would they be?
Haha good question. I’d say Sergio Ramos because he has won consecutive Champions League trophies so I would just want to know his mindset for winning so many years back to back. The next person would be Ronaldinho because he always plays with a smile on his face and has so much joy so I would want to know how he developed such a great passion for football. The last person would Virgil Van Dijk because his career didn’t accelerate till later on so I would want to know how he remained so calm and composed in difficult circumstances when he wasn’t getting noticed.

15. Any last words for the readers?
For you readers, I’d just want to finish off with play free. At the end of the day, we all are playing football simply because of the love of the game so never forget why you started playing even if situations get difficult or focus wanders elsewhere. LOVE WHAT YOU DO & DO WHAT YOU LOVE!

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Chris Dailey

Founder, The Sports Court

Big shoutout to Rocco for the amazing interview! Big things ahead of the bright and young talent! Good luck next season.

photos via https://www.instagram.com/p/ https://twitter.com/bigroc17