Their stories, their emotions, their words.
That, in a nutshell, is what this new series on whitecapsfc.com is all about. What better way to get to know the 'Caps – your 'Caps – than to hear from them directly. No filter. No fluff.
Just their words.
A lot of people have been asking me about this weekend’s match against FC Dallas.
Yes, it’s going to be a special match for me. They’re my old club and I have a lot of good friends there. But I came to Vancouver with my mind set on the present, leaving that rivalry in the past.
Now, we’re on the same side and fighting for the same objectives.
Pérez (pictured left) spent four seasons with FC Dallas
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one of Vancouver's biggest rivals
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before joining the 'Caps in February (USA Today Sports Images)
When I first heard the Whitecaps were interested in my services, I was surprised. At the same time, I felt happy that such a good team was interested. I wanted to stay in Major League Soccer and I still felt that I had the ability to play in this league.
In addition to my desire to stay in MLS, Coach Carl was a big influence in my decision. We talked many times. He told me what he expected of me as a player and a person and what he thought I could bring to the team, which gave me great confidence that this was the right move to make.
Everything about this opportunity excited me. Vancouver is a beautiful city and the Whitecaps are a great team who I believe are going to fight for big things this season. I like challenges and a club with this kind of ambition motivates any player to be a part of it.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first walked into the locker room, though. Changing clubs is part of being a professional footballer, but I knew there was a history there.
To be honest, it went much better than I could have expected.
I already knew this was a talented group of young and experienced players, but speaking of their human side, I quickly realized they are great guys and great teammates. At first, the technical staff and Latino players really made an effort to make me feel welcome.
Whitecaps FC acquired Pérez (pictured right) in February in exchange for midfielder Mauro Rosales (Bob Frid/Whitecaps FC)
As the days went by, I began talking more with the rest of the group and everyone here received me in a positive way, including the fans.
Game by game, I’m working hard to gain their trust and support.
We may have had differences in the past, but that’s just part of the game. In this football world, there will be people who take things a bit further from the pitch, but what happens on the pitch must stay on the pitch.
I don’t consider myself a bad guy.
I like to give 100 per cent every time I step on the field. I don’t consider a ball to be lost when you can still fight for it. Every time I represent this team and fans, I will do it with great responsibility and pride. People who get to know me outside the field might see a difference – a different version of Blas Pérez.
Whitecaps FC host FC Dallas on Saturday at BC Place (7:30 p.m. PT on TSN).
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale from $39/month all in. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
