National Post (National Edition)
De Guzman goes from player to assistant coach
A lock box contains relics of Julian de Guzman’s storied past.
The Canadian midfielder, who announced his retirement at a news conference on Monday, says its contents are proof of a football career he didn’t think was possible. “I made sure I got a jersey every game,” he said.
“I can pull out Zinedine Zidane’s jersey. All the top players, I can pull them out (at my bank) and say, ‘Yeah, I actually played against that guy.’ ”
The 35-year-old added: “I knew what I was going through.”
In his prime, de Guzman helped lead Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruna to a place in Europe and a stunning win over Real Madrid.
He refers to it as a “rare Canadian story” — one that reveals how a teenager from Toronto debunked naysayers to eventually become one of the most accomplished footballers in Canadian history.
At the age of 28, de Guzman looked to cash in, but he priced himself out of the market in Europe. Finally, a low-ball offer from Toronto FC sparked a conversation.
“It was a matter of TFC meeting my expectations,” de Guzman said, estimating TFC’s original offer was for roughly 450,000 euros per season after taxes.
He eventually agreed to a three-year deal worth roughly $3 million annually.
“TFC met my expectations and even more,” added de Guzman, who doesn’t hide from what turned into a rough ride at BMO Field.
“It was a struggle,” he added. “I was presented to MLS as if I scored goals. I had crazy bonuses in my contract where I’d get $10,000 for a goal. Those weren’t my strengths. That wasn’t what I was taught in Europe.”
The Reds attempted to push de Guzman out following 2009. And again after that. Controversy brewed when TFC traded de Guzman to Dallas midway through 2012. Canada eventually brought him to Ottawa for a season with the Fury before being named to Benito Floro’s staff as an assistant coach on Monday.
“I’ve always told myself — even before coaching was an idea — I want to be involved in the game,” de Guzman said. “I couldn’t pass up this opportunity in Ottawa. I’ve been through a lot of clubs and organizations, but here is very special, like a family.’’