Please don't let me be misunderstood: oft-labeled hot-headed, streaky, or both, the talented Fire and U.S. striker doesn't get the respect he deserves - Interview: Ante Razov - Chicago Fire Soccer Player - Interview

Soccer Digest, May, 2002 by Ashley Jude Collie

AR: I never asked for the maximum, but I was probably looking for it at the end of my third year with the Fire. I mean, I was the second-leading goalscorer in the league and, I don't want to toot my own horn, but I played eight fewer games than the other top scorers did. Things didn't get sorted out and there was an opportunity to move to Racing de Ferrol of the Spanish Second Division. They needed a striker. The pay wasn't that great, but it was only six months. I was hoping that if I did well there, I could move on to a bigger club.

The idea was to be playing First Division soccer somewhere. At that time, I don't think I had enough caps to get a work permit in England. The Spanish league was very tempting--a very open, attacking league--and I thought it would suit my game very well.

SD: How was the experience and atmosphere at the club?

AR: Racing was a very modest club. I probably should have done my homework a little more on the team. Technically, they were not the greatest team and all they cared about was not getting relegated. But we played some of the biggest, richest clubs in the world such as Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, and Tenerife.

The competition was tremendous. I played very well at first I got a goal in my debut and had a hat trick a few games later. Things were going very well, but I had trips back to the States for the national team and I was one of the only European-based players who had a Wednesday or Thursday match in the States. I'd get back to Spain late on Friday and was told I had to play Saturday or Sunday, so I think that took a little bit of a toll on me.

My overall experience was good. I improved as a player, but I would've liked to have played for a team that had more resources.

SD: Why did you leave?

AR: They couldn't pick up my option. I had some other offers but they didn't work out. There were various agents trying to get their hands into my situation. I was actually sent on kind of a wild goose chase to Bolton. That wasn't very cool at all. I was in Kilmarnock for three days and they offered me a contract but didn't really have the financial resources, either. By that time, European teams were settling their rosters and it was late in the MLS season. I needed to get settled and the best option was to go back to MLS.

SD: Would you have liked to stay in Europe?

AR: I wouldn't have stayed at Racing, but I would've liked to have played somewhere in Europe. But the agents couldn't get me what I was looking for. It's a very tricky world over there and it was disappointing. Having said that, I'm very content and happy to be where I am right now.

SD: Would it have been better for your playing career to stay?

AR: If I was at a First Division club and playing, yes. Because the pace of the game is much faster, you naturally improve. The technical abilities are much higher, although MLS is definitely improving.

SD: Was there any sort of comedown after leaving Europe?

AR: Not really because the Fire would be a very competitive team anywhere. And the atmosphere in Chicago is tremendous. If Chicago had its own stadium, it would be no different than playing anywhere in Europe.