Freddy Garcia will take a break from his playmaking role in the Columbus Crew midfield to represent Guatemala in this summer's Gold Cup.
The Facts
Born: Jan. 12, 1977, in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala.
Hometown: Puerto Barrios.
Height: 5-6. Weight: 132.
Pro Clubs: Columbus Crew (MLS) 2002-present, Comunicaciones (Guatemala) 1999-2002, Universidad (Guatemala) 1998, Juca (Guatemala) 1996-97, Izabal (Guatemala) 1994-95.
International: Guatemala (1997-present).
My View On …
The Gold Cup: It's another opportunity for Guatemalan soccer to move forward. It will be hard, but we're motivated, and we want to win the title. Why not?
Referees: Anywhere you play, they make mistakes. They don't have enough eyes to see everything. It's an incredibly hard job.
Columbus: I don't know it well because I spend most of my time at home.
Life After Soccer: I know that I can't play forever. But soccer is my passion, and when that day comes, I'll be very sad.
My First …
Job: Second Division soccer in Puerto Barrios.
Auto: A blue 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Nickname: ''La Rata.'' My friends started calling me ''The Rat'' when I was 5 or 6 because I was so small. I don't mind it.
Soccer Memories: My friends and I played every day, sometimes barefoot, in our neighborhood. They always said I would go far, and I'm where I am today thanks to them.
Favorites …
Musical Artist: Enrique Iglesias.
Actor: Bruce Willis.
Actress: Penelope Cruz.
Movie: ''Men in Black.''
Book: The Bible.
Religion: I've got nothing against any religion, but my family has always been Catholic.
Food: El Rice and Beans, Puerto Barrios-style, with red beans, coconut milk, spices and shellfish, chicken or beef.
Player: Rivaldo.
Hobby: Playing the latest version of FIFA Soccer on PlayStation.
Four Famous People You'd Invite To Dinner: Pope John Paul II, Ricky Martin, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek.
The Web: I check out Guatemalan newspapers but don't have e-mail.
TV: I have Dish Network, which has Gol TV, where I can watch Guatemalan League games.
People In My Life
Family: We're there for each other in good times and bad. I always get good advice from my family. Much of my family has been living in Los Angeles for years.
Mother: My mother moved to Los Angeles when I was 6. She didn't abandon us. She was looking for a better way to help support the family and found work in a beauty salon. She always stayed in touch.
Father: He played soccer in the 1970s, but it didn't pay much. Then he became a longshoreman. He always wanted to see me play abroad but never had the chance. I signed with MLS right after he died a year and a half ago.
Grandmother: She won the lottery and bought the house in which she has lived for more than 45 years. She says it was a gift from God because they didn't even have enough money for food at the time.
Wife & Children: Sindy's still in Guatemala, where she takes care of our sons, Freddy Fernando, 4, and Diego Alexander, 2. She has supported me through thick and thin. I also have a daughter, Joseline, 6. My children are my inspiration. I try to provide the best for them, hoping they lack nothing and are well-raised.
Host Family: I live with a family in Columbus. The husband is Guatemalan, and the wife is American. We've become great friends.
Interview by Keegan Pierce