Former Chivas USA Star Sacha Kljestan Talks About Transfer To Anderlecht

This month, Sacha Kljestan and Chivas USA agreed to a transfer fee with Belgian side Anderlecht. The details of a transfer were not disclosed. It’s a move that was expected at some point as Kljestan is a rising star and nearly made a move in the 2009 winter transfer window to Celtic. He was on the 30 man preliminary roster for the USA but didn’t make the final 24.

Kljestan recently spoke with Anderlecht in an interview posted on their website about the move. One thing that probably attracted Kljestan is the ability to play in the UEFA Champions League as Anderlecht qualified for by winning the Belgian league. They aren’t in the group stage but are in the third qualifying round and will need to advance through that and a play-off round to make the group stage. Below is the interview.

Sacha Kljestan Talks About Move To Anderlecht (Full story can be found on the club’s official site here)

“I am glad to be part of the Anderlecht family”, Kljestan said. “I really feel at home here. I haven’t been able to see much of Brussels yet, but as soon as I’ve found a place to live, I’m going to explore the city. One thing I’m going to miss about LA? The candy”, he smiled.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who is hoping to learn French soon, has also adjusted well during training. “Things are great here in Tegelen: the environment’s pleasant, we’re staying at a nice hotel and training is also going well. I’m happy to be part of a group with so many talented players.” One of the midfielder’s strong points is the fact that he can play pretty much anywhere. “I’m a box-to-box midfielder, so I have both defensive and attacking qualities. Moreover, I run a lot and I’m also skilled at passing.” He owes a lot to his father, a former semi-professional player. “My father has always supported me and he has taught me a lot. He often took me and my older brother, who is currently playing for the second-division team FC Tampa Bay, to the park to practise.”

Before he became a pro player, the Californian played for the Seton Hall University team, where he majored in sports management. “That was an amazing time. Although I only completed three out of four years – because I wanted to start my professional career – it was wonderful to play for that team.” But Kljestan is most proud of his achievements as an international. “There have been two peaks in my career up until now: playing at the Olympics in Beijing and making it to the final of the Confederations Cup in 2009, which we unfortunately lost 2-3 to Brazil.” The midfielder always carries the memory of the Olympics, where he scored twice in three matches, with him. “On my left arm, I have a tattoo of the Olympic wreath, 2008 in roman numerals and the Latin word ‘Somnium’, which means ‘To Dream’. My other tattoo, ‘VGSK’, represents the initials of my sister, brother, father and mother.”

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