Interview with TFC’s Adrian Cann

Interview with TFC’s Adrian Cann

By Karen Stemmler and Arjun Datta

Adrian Cann is Toronto FC’s highly rated defender.  Born and raised in Thornhill, just north of Toronto, Cann has represented all three of Canada’s top clubs with earlier stints at both the Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps.  He also had a spell in Europe where he played for Danish side Esbjerg for three seasons.  He got his start in the MLS when he was snapped up by the Colorado Rapids in 2004.

Now back in his hometown, he met up with Soccer360 to talk about his life and career.

Background:

After playing youth soccer in Thornhill, Cann obtained a college soccer scholarship career at the University of Louisville from 2000 to 2003.  Cann immediately earned a place in the Cardinals' starting lineup as a freshman, starting 20 games for the team, and was named to first-team All-Conference USA.  Cann would maintain this level of performance, making the first-team All-C USA as a sophomore, junior, and senior, as well as being named the conference's Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and senior.

Upon graduating, Cann was selected 16th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids.  In 2006, Cann signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps, helping the team win their first USL First Division Championship and was named the Whitecaps' Most Outstanding Defender in 2007.  In June 2008 he signed a four year deal with Danish football side Esbjerg where he played till 2010.

Cann signed with Toronto FC in April 2010 and made his debut for the club against the Philadelphia Union later that month.  Since joining fellow Canadian international Nana Attakora in the center of defence, the partnership has become one of the strongest in the league. 

He made his debut for Canada in a January 2008 friendly match against Martinique.  He has so far represented Canada in two FIFA World Cup qualification matches and was also chosen in the 23-man roster for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup where Canada won Group A with 7 points before being knocked out by Honduras in the Quarter Finals.

How did you first get into soccer?

I was exposed to soccer at a young age by my dad who showed me soccer on TV.  My brother and I used to watch a number of games on the television.  Predominantly, I was drawn to Pele. The way he moved, played the ball, I was very much attracted to both the game and started idolizing Pele.

What was your earliest memory?

From then on in, I remember going to the park with my brother and parents and pet Pomeranian.  I started mimicking Pele’s moves and trying to be more like him.  My brother and I started playing everyday and that’s how it all started.

Did you always play defense?

Growing up I was a midfielder and that’s where I played as a kid, using my creativity and scoring goals on a regular basis.  Only when I hit University and was playing in Woodbridge, I was dripped back to defence by my coach who saw my potential and I have stayed there ever since.

I was converted because it made sense to my team and I was able to bring balance by being both defensive in my duties and attacking in my attention.  So I used to try and make things happen on offence as well as primarily defend.

When you were growing up in Thornhill, games took a less conventional approach, from snow-filled fields to the narrow living room at your parent’s house, do you remember any other odd places where you’d play?

I recall playing in the hallways of the building I lived in with small nets with my cousins and friends.  Neighbours would come and complain about the noise (laughs).  Also, playing just about anywhere, schoolyard, in the streets, everywhere.  I was always enthusiastic and ready to play anywhere, anytime.

You attracted plenty of collegiate interest from the United States, ultimately choosing the University of Louisville in Kentucky where you left quite the impact - including being named the cornerstone of the team’s success, along with the team’s most valuable player as a junior and a sophomore. How did playing in Thornhill prepare you for playing in Kentucky?

Living in Thornhill, there were fewer distractions from either the city or other sports.  It made it easier to concentrate on my passion for soccer.  There was a field down from my house which was peaceful and not containing other scenarios.  A close friend of mine who lived down the street and I would play everyday.  Other friends from school, my brother and my cousins and I would hit up the field, every single day, competing, every day of the summer (laughs).  Yeah we were very committed and passionate, very hardcore.

You’ve played for the Whitecaps, the Impact and now Toronto FC. Have you noticed any differences - be it in the style of play or club culture that sets these three sides apart?

People in Vancouver are very easy going with their west coast mentality and lifestyle - very typical of Vancouver.  Their life and structure was very beneficial to me as it allowed me to enjoy the residency programme while developing my skills.  But now other cities have those programmes as well, like Montreal who are establishing it, and Toronto, whom I am biased towards, who already have it.  I think it’s really good in Toronto and young players are encouraged very well here.

Every city I have played in has been a good experience but I would say Toronto was the best (smiles).

How does playing in Europe compare to North America?

In North America, playing is very intense because you have something to prove.  So, you have more pressure since you have people you know and have grown up with and want to impress and represent for.  In Europe there is a pressure to perform and from the organization but not from your roots.

Also, in Europe training is more stringent, since you train more often and they focus on development more.  Over here you can play and live as well, enjoy both and work on your game.

What type of impression has new Toronto FC coach Aaron Winter left on you? You were quoted as saying that you have to adapt to his mentality and how he broadcasts things, what does he do different than previous coaches?

Okay, I think the way Aaron coaches, they give you space to use your imagination.  There used to more restrictions in the past but Aaron now encourages you to be more creative and do something with the space you have.  In moderation of course, don’t overdo it, but he allows you to express yourself and be more creative which I personally enjoy more.  Personally, if I have space I like carrying the ball a bit, so yeah I like his style.

It makes you think more, it’s more three-dimensional than just one-dimensional.

What psyches you up before a game?

I visualize, think about my parents who motivated me to excel.  I keep them in the back of my mind as it is personal.  When I go on the field, it’s my job, my duty but also there’s more than meets the eye.

Do you have a pre-game ritual?

I have a consistent meal that I eat before a game, pasta with tuna and some cilantro with some extra virgin olive oil (chuckles).  In the morning I have some organic oatmeal.  (laughs) Hey this is my dietary plan we are talking about.

Who is your favorite footballer? Why?

Pele (laughs). Edson Orantes De Nascimento, the black pearl - that was his nickname. He’s my idol.  He was a complete player.  He conducts himself professionally off the pitch and on it.  He gives back, he lives through football but he uses it as a tool to give back to the game and to those less fortunate than him.  He’s not one-dimensional.  That’s something to look up to.  He makes people better through his image in the game.

Toughest opponent to play against?

It’s difficult (laughs). I would say it would be a player who has determination and ulterior motives.  The ones that don’t just play for the team and themselves but for things beyond the pitch like personal passions, like me.  I know where they are coming from and so we’re butting heads as we’re both powered by the same things.

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring one teammate from Toronto FC with you, who would it be and why?

(Laughs) It’s funny. This is a hard question.  Let’s see.  I would have to say (Julian) De Guzman, because he makes me laugh and happiness to me is one of the most important things in life.  He is unique (laughs) and he would add some flavour to the island.

Do you have any hidden talents?

(Laughs) You mean in the bedroom? (Laughs) Oh no!

I like cooking quite a bit, it’s one of my passions.  My brother and mother taught me how to make pizza from scratch.  I like making my own dough, kneading it, making it rise and adding prosciutto and basel, very Tuscan.  I love that.

Any nicknames?

Peaches, given to me while growing up because I didn’t have any facial hair growing up, since I hit puberty later than many other players.  It still sticks, other players will often still refer to me by it, players I have played with in the past, even at TFC.

How do you relax when you’re not playing soccer?

I ride my bike around the city, going for walks.  In the West Side, Dundas and Ossington, Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods park, play some tennis, hang out with friends and brother, drink some wine, just kick it and take it easy.

If you weren’t a professional footballer, what else would you is doing?

I really like travelling, experiencing other cultures, I think I would probably be getting into some type of employment that would take me all over the world.  Meet different types of people, try different types of food.

What can you see yourself getting into after the game?

I can see myself getting into something interesting like a documentary or a sitcom - maybe be in it or direct it.

Would like to take a try at playing in Europe again – Which club?

Yes, I will always have a passion to play at the highest level possible, embrace the challenge, I like competing, so yeah.  Probably somewhere in England, where it’s hard and rugged or even Italy.

Favorite Movie?   Rocknrolla and Control.

Food?   Parisian, Italian, Portuguese, Thai.  Green Curry and Tom Yum soup.

Actor?  Johnny Depp.

Actress?  Natalie Portman.

Band?  Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Tears for Fears, Erasure.

First Car?

A Volkswagon Cabriolet.  It lasted for a few weeks only because my brother broke the transmission after a couple of weeks.  It was an old car and it lasted like a month and a half, it wasn’t pristine.

One thing you want your fans to know about you? Your image?

Off the field, I’m very relaxed, I’m content, I take it easy and I like to enjoy life but on the pitch it’s very different and a second image comes to life.  I am very committed, very aggressive, very focused on winning.  I hate losing and always want to win.  Win everything.  Winning makes everything better, life is so much better when you win, food tastes better (laughs).  Winning transcends everything. I despise losing.