‘This felt like the right time’
Kansas City defender Alexi Lalas ended a storied career when he announced his retirement Oct. 9.
SOCCER AMERICA: Why?
ALEXI LALAS: If there’s a reason, it’s because of at this point in my life, there are other things that I’ve had in my life, and want to have, that excite me and are things I want to give more attention to and explore further. And I didn’t want to wait around.
There’s definitely things in entertainment, and it’s no secret my involvement with music has been such a great source of enjoyment that I’ll make it a much bigger part of my life.
SA: Was there any one factor or incident that triggered this decision?
AL: This is my life, so it’s personal, but there’s no one thing ù personal or professional ù that happened that made me do this. I fully realized that when I made the decision, people were going to look for reasons. I don’t have a real reason.
I can’t tie it up in a nice bow and say, “This is why I’m doing this and this is where I’m going.” It doesn’t work like that.
SA: You’re only 29 years old and have been playing well this season, yet you’ve been mulling this over for a few months.
AL: All players, regardless of age, have thoughts of it, but most of the time it’s just fantasizing about what it would be like, and it doesn’t happen until much later.
I really started to think about it seriously, and the idea appealed to me. There is an element of fear, but it’s a good scare. It’s just what I needed to do.
I love playing soccer ù for 90 minutes, it’s wonderful. I enjoy the game. It’s not one of those things where, “Oh, God! It’s turned into a job!” and I don’t look forward to playing. I have a love of soccer and that will never change.
But I also have a love and interest in a lot of other things. When do you say, “That’s it”? For me, this felt like the right time.
SA: A decade ago, you were just another collegiate All-American. In just a few years, you became the most recognizable American soccer player. Did this sudden shot to fame unsettle you?
AL: There was a point I was just kicking it twice a day, training with Bora in Southern California, having my sub sandwich, and running around being crazy, to ù boom! ù everybody not only in my own country but around the world knowing who I was. I’ve lived that for years and years now.
I’m real proud of what I’ve been able to do and the effect I’ve had on the game.
SA: How have you changed in the past decade?
AL: We’re in a completely different time. What’s happened to me has all been great, but at times it’s been kind of lonely sort of thing. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing.
I’ve milked it for all it’s worth and I wouldn’t change it for a second, but I’ve burned both ends pretty hard for a long time.
SA: You’ve said in the past that you get bored easily, that you constantly seek new experiences. Had soccer become boring for you?
AL: I’m not bored with the actual playing of it, but there’s a lot of down time. You have to prepare yourself mentally and physically, and that’s part of the game, but there’s a lot of sitting around.
I’m still looking to be involved in soccer, obviously not from the playing side, but coming at it from other angles. Coaching and all those other things appeal to me.
SA: What did playing professional soccer mean to you?
AL: When you’re 29 years old and a young kid who’s just broken into the league comes up to you and says, “I grew up watching you on TV, my dad took me to see you play in college,” or “I painted my face and went with my friends to watch you play in the World Cup, and you meant so much to me growing up,” well, that’s some pretty powerful stuff. That means a lot to me.
Yeah, the goals, winning here and there ù not a lot of winning ù and the actual soccer, it’s all good. But for me to be a part of a pretty exciting time in soccer is great.
If there’s anything I’m proud of, it’s having an impact on the game and some of its players.
I know that there’s a lot of people who would kill or die to be in this position and have this job. I can’t make them understand.
I know they’re going, “You’re so stupid! What are you thinking? You’ve got it made! I would give anything to do this!”
SA: Well, now there’s one more MLS job out there.
AL: There you go. I’m just giving my spot so somebody hopefully can realize their dream of playing professional soccer.
SA: What are your short-term plans?
AL: I’m going to drive across country.
SA: In your Saab convertible?
AL: Don’t say that! You can say it’s a convertible, but don’t say it’s a Saab.
SA: Why not?
AL: I went out and found it, and immediately, people start coming up to me and because of who they think I am and what image that’s out there, they say, “You’re such a little wuss. I can’t believe you’re driving a Saab!”
So, I have no idea. I love it. I guess they think I should be in a Mustang. But screw ’em! I’m going to drive around a little bit, and I’m definitely going to the final in Boston.
by Soccer America senior editor Ridge Mahoney