Lions’ Yotún grateful for shot
Midfielder has many fans from Peru in Atlanta
ATLANTA — Orlando City midfielder Yoshi Yotún didn’t just leave the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after training before Wednesday’s MLS All Star Game. On his way out, some fans caught his attention. There were supporters from his home country of Peru who wanted things – cleats, jerseys, flags – signed by the Peruvian national team member.
Other fans just wanted autographs on anything they had. From the stands at Atlanta United’s massive home stadium, people threw down Atlanta United jerseys and other memorabilia for him to sign.
Yotún took the time to sign everything that came his way.
Later, sitting in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta — the headquarters of the 2018 MLS All Star Game – Yotún told Pro Soccer USA he’s grateful for the fans who, in some cases, travel around the world just to see him perform.
The MLS All-Stars play Juventus at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“The most important thing for me is the fans,” Yotún said through a translator. “After training, I noticed there were many Peruvians in the stands, so I wanted to get there, approach them, interact with them. I also saw fans from many other teams, many other countries. I just wanted to be there, sign autographs, interact.
“I think you have to be grateful for the fans. They value your job. Sometimes you’re around the city, they recognize you and they ask you for a photo, for an autograph -- and it’s something that I value and I appreciate. For me, it’s important to have that contact with the fans.”
Growing up in Callao, Peru, Yotún never imagined he'd be part of what’s expected to be a star-studded event with more than 70,000 fans in attendance.
He has some experience on the biggest stages. He said while the MLS All-Star experience is different from his experience in Russia during this year’s World Cup, both are important steps in his career.
“I never thought I’d be living what is happening to me right now,” Yotún said. “I honestly just wanted to play soccer growing up. Now, soccer has taken me to where I am. I look at myself right now, and I’m in the All-Star Game and I’m so happy to be here.
“To see many fans travel around the world to come and watch you play, to watch you do what you love to do, is incredible. It also shows the passion in this country that they have, the fans. And the culture. From our point of view, it’s just great to give fans a show and to appreciate them. This event is a great opportunity to thank [the fans].”
Wednesday will mark Yotún’s first appearance in an MLS All-Star Game. He trained at left back during Tuesday’s open training session, but he’s been a boxto-box midfielder for Orlando City so far this season.
“I was very happy to share a locker room with and to share the pitch with [LAFC midfielder Carlos] Vela, with [Toronto FC forward Sebastian] Giovinco and top players like the ones that are on the team,” he said.
Yotún was selected to the All-Star Team by coach Tata Martino, who on Monday said every member of the team will play at least 30 minutes against Juventus.
“First, I think that since he’s arrived and since he’s played in Orlando, the team has had a noticeable increase in quality,” Martino said through a translator during a Monday news conference.
“He did a great job with Peru, helping the team reach the World Cup and being a standout player for his country. Despite the team being eliminated in the first round, they showed a high level of play, in part thanks to him, and I thought he was a very worthy inclusion for the All-Star Team."
Yotún said it’s a bit strange to team up with players he’s usually competing against.
Stranger still, he only gets a couple of days to train with them and prepare for Juventus.
Yotún said he’s committed to putting on a show for both the fans and for Orlando.
“What brings us together is a passion and a love for the game,” Yotún said. “We know that the main goal is to make sure the fans enjoy and that we enjoy [the match] on the field, as well.”