MetroFanatic: Luke, Hans Backe chased you for a long time to come here. Why did you choose to leave England for the US?
Luke Rodgers: I like the soccer being played here, and obviously with the likes of Marquez and Henry, it's a great team. As soon as I spoke to Hans, the decision was mine that I want to come here.

MF: Do you see this level of play as a step up from where you where?
LR: Sometimes, but sometimes not. Some games in England, you play, and it's a very good standard, it's very different. Very athletic, very strong and very physical. But the standard is brilliant. It's very good. It's a much better standard than League One football. One hundred percent.

MF: That's good to hear. Because some people, they hear England...
LR: Well, one thing you can do is compare, Man City, is one of the best teams in England. We beat Man City.

MF: I like how you say "we". You weren't on the team last year!
LR: I'm part of the team now. MLS has only been open for 16 years. I think it can only get better in time.

MF: You don't often see people who play in England coming over here. It must be pretty good to have this opportunity.
LR: It's brilliant. I just can't wait to get back playing.

MF: What is the biggest difference between England and America?
LR: Ummmm... What can I say... everyone is friendly...

MF: So not everyone is friendly in England?
LR: No, not at all. I find America... the atmosphere, there's a buzz about the place. The fans are great. It's good. I'm looking forward to it.

MF: What can we expect from you on the pitch?
LR: I just want to work hard and contribute to some goals.

MF: Your pace is one of the things that Hans always mentioned.
LR: Yeah, the reports keep saying that, but (laughs) comparing me to Dane Richards...

MF: Dane Richards is one in a million there.
LR: Dane is a rocket, so don't compare me to him. But I would say that pace is a part of my game. I hope to show that when I get to playing.