Philadelphia Union defender Geiner Martinez has earned his most significant shifts for the Boys in Blue since signing with the team in February, playing back-to-back matches to open May.
The 23-year-old Colombian subbed on for an injured Japhet Sery Larsen in the team's home match against Nashville, and one week after helping the team keep a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw, he took over the centerback spot from this first MLS start against New England Revolution.
While results haven't been favorable for his team, Martinez's recent minutes have been crucial for his development. Here's a glimpse into his mindset surrounding his increased opportunities, how he feels he's grown so far this year, and what his first four months in Philly have been like as a whole.
It’s been four months since you signed in Philly – what has been your first impression of the club?
Four months have passed since I signed in Philly, and honestly, my first impression of the club has been incredible. From day one, they made me feel welcome. The atmosphere, my teammates, and everything surrounding the team is wonderful, and that has made my adjustment much easier.
Han pasado cuatro meses desde que firmé en Philly y, sinceramente, mi primera impresión del club ha sido increíble. Desde el primer día me hicieron sentir bienvenido. El ambiente, mis compañeros y todo lo que rodea al equipo es hermoso, y eso ha hecho que mi adaptación sea mucho más fácil.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome since arriving in Philly?
The biggest challenge has been adapting to a new country, a new culture, and a different style of play. But I feel that I am growing more every day, both on and off the field.
El mayor desafío ha sido adaptarme a un nuevo país, una nueva cultura y un estilo diferente de juego. Pero siento que cada día voy creciendo más, tanto dentro como fuera de la cancha.
Are there any teammates in particular that have helped you adjust to a new team and a new system?
My teammates have been very important throughout this process. They have always been there to help me, offer advice, and make me feel like part of the group —but Jesus, Bruno, and Ale have been there to make everything go very smoothly.
Mis compañeros han sido muy importantes en este proceso. Siempre han estado ahí para ayudarme, aconsejarme y hacerme sentir parte del grupo pero Jesus, Bruno y Ale han estado ahí para que se haga todo muy fácil.
In what ways do you feel you have grown the most since preseason?
Since preseason, I feel that I have grown significantly—both mentally and as a player. I have learned to have more confidence in myself, to work even harder, and to better understand the system and what the team needs from me.
Desde la pretemporada siento que he crecido mucho mentalmente y futbolísticamente, He aprendido a tener más confianza en mí mismo, a trabajar aún más duro y a entender mejor el sistema y lo que el equipo necesita de mí.
You just earned your first MLS start this weekend and recently played significant minutes in consecutive games. What did that opportunity mean to you?
Earning my first start in MLS was a significant moment, as it represents the hard work and effort I have been putting in since I arrived.
When I came on as a substitute for Japhet against Nashville, the only thing on my mind was helping the team. I entered the match with intense focus, eager to seize the opportunity and give my absolute best in every play.
Cuando entré de cambio por Japhet contra Nashville, lo único que pasaba por mi mente era ayudar al equipo. Entré con mucha concentración, con ganas de aprovechar la oportunidad y de dar lo mejor de mí en cada jugada.
Conseguir mi primera titularidad en la MLS, Fue un momento importante porque representa el trabajo y el esfuerzo que he venido haciendo desde que llegué.
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
For the remainder of the year, my goals are to give my all to the team in every way possible and to continue growing as a player.
Para el resto del año, mis objetivos son entregar todo de mi al equipo en todo lo que pueda, y continuar creciendo como jugador.
What do you love most about being a soccer player?
What I love most about being a footballer is being able to enjoy what I do every single day. Since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional player; today, being able to step out onto the pitch, compete, and share these moments with my teammates is something I value immensely.
Lo que más me gusta de ser futbolista es poder disfrutar lo que hago todos los días. Desde pequeño soñé con ser futbolista , y hoy poder salir a la cancha, competir y compartir con mis compañeros es algo que valoro muchísimo.
