But the US Men’s National Team forward has struggled to balance football with broader societal issues, as he explained before the Reds host the Philadelphia Union Saturday night in East Hartford (7:30 p.m. ET | TSN 1/4; MLS LIVE on ESPN in the US)
« It was definitely a difficult and very difficult year, then you add the pandemic and the departure of our families, » said Altidore « It puts football second or third in the mirror when normally, obviously, for us it’s the first so it’s definitely a tough year It’s a huge testament to the guys that we are still able to deliver results and show on the pitch that we are focused and united «
Travel problems linked to the COVID-19 pandemic mean that Toronto will play its last home games of the regular season at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, home to the University of Connecticut football team. means long stretches away from family, coupled with the month-long MLS is Back tournament in Orlando earlier this summer
Toronto remained in Canada for the resumption of six Phase 1 games, with three of those games being played at BMO Field They earned the MLS spot in this year’s Canadian Championship final from that period , ahead of the Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps, but Altidore believes the overall situation can have negative consequences
“I go through long stretches and [my son] doesn’t see me, and I think it’s really hard for him and hard for me, » said Altidore. « I don’t really know how to handle these situations, because I’ve never treated them like this before We all have kids, we all have families and it’s hard to try to explain these things where they don’t really understand the notion of time This part makes it still harder because they are innocent The kids don’t really know what’s going on, so of course you want to be able to be with them during these difficult times, watch them and make sure everything is ok «
There’s also the political fabric, with the United States one month away from a hotly contested presidential election Much of last spring and summer has also been shaped by issues of racial inequality, this which led to the formation of the Black Players for Change in MLS
« I think this is the time when a lot of people talk about change, a lot of people talk about wanting to change and trying to help, but it lasts a week or two and then it goes away, » Altidore said « When I say that I mean more white people I think a lot of white people will say, yes they want to help but it lasts a week or two, it’s a few social media posts and then it’s gone I think the important thing when it comes to something like this is to keep engaging with each other, keep having those tough conversations, and trying to move forward in a better way, but actively try to move forward in a better way, not just on social networks and what is practical «
There is clearly a lot on Altidore’s mind beyond football, although the designated 30-year-old is hoping things will change soon. He called this time exhausting, both mentally and emotionally, this that worsens the physical demands of a compressed schedule
“To be honest I just sail like everyone else,” said Altidore “I’m just trying to find the best way forward and to be honest I can’t wait until it’s all over. with the family and come together and hopefully things can move forward in a positive way for the league and fair in general «
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World News – CA – Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore struggles through ‘tough year’ like everyone else
