MetroFanatic: Youri, is this a little step down from where you played before?
Youri Djorkaeff: No... Can't say "step down". It wouldn't be honest for me, and for the manager to say that it's a step down. The league has just been here for ten years. It's very exciting to be here in the beginning, It's a new step for me, and it could be a bigger step for the future.

MF: Do you realize this team has been very bad over the ten years?
YD: Yeah, but I'm an optimist. I'm very optimistic. I try to be part of the league, and maybe a guide for other French players to come here.

MF: How is your hamstring?
YD: (taps hamstring) Very good now, I'm starting to run. I hope to be on the field. I don't know about the first game, but I'll be there.

MF: Midfield, forward, where are you gonna play?
YD: I don't have a real preference. During my career, I played midfield, striker, second striker, I played everywhere. It's up to the coach where he wants me to be.

MF: There are some people who are saying you're too old.
YD: Maybe they're right. I'm 37, starting to be old in football. I don't care generally what people say. When you're young, you're too young, when you're old, you're too old. The age is not very important. What is important is what you show on the field, and after you can say if you had a good game or not.

MF: It seems that you really care about this team, which we didn't see from a previous nameless #10.
YD: Yeah, yeah. When the contract (talks) started, I did everything to get it to work. You don't worry about that (the money). I don't want to change. I'm too old to change now! (laughs) It's more important to be comfortable.

MF: What about Bob Bradley?
YD: He was a big, big part in my coming here and join the MetroStars. I hope I do well.

MF: Did you try out the turf at Giants Stadium? How is it?
YD: Yeah, yeah. It's different.

MF: Maybe for your hamstring it's not the best?
YD: Its not the best for any player.

MF: There are some players in this league, all they seem to do is try to take out the opponent's best player. Do you realize you will be a target?
YD: Yeah, but this is not a problem. It's better to be the target. I've always been a target in my life, and I don't see why that would change today.