Philadelphia Union's newest addition, 23-year-old center back Ian Glavinovich, made his first-ever trip to the city to put pen to paper ahead of the 2025 season.
Shortly before traveling home to Argentina for the holidays, he gave a glimpse into his hopes for the season to come.
What was your first impression of Philadelphia?
When I first found out about this opportunity I did some digging, and I remembered the movie, Rocky. I really like the style of the city, I think itās a great.
When did you first hear the Union was interested in adding you to the team for the 2025 season?
I found out about a month ago for the first time. Then, afterwards, there were other interests from other clubs. But until this was all confirmed, I was a bit anxious because I really wanted to get this deal done. Itās a big step for me and I hope itās a good step for the team.
What about this opportunity excited you most?
Iām excited for this personal challenge; I think I am going to prove to myself why Iām here. I believe I can bring a lot to the team, and I want to go step by step.
What did you know about the club before arriving?
What surprised me was the appearance of a very young player, Cavan Sullivan, who is crushing it right now. I like that the club provides opportunities to young players ā that was good to see.
Had you ever been to Philadelphia before coming to sign?
No, never been.
What do you think you can bring to the Union's defense?
What I think I can bring is, I consider myself fast, so I can be a good recovery guy, a good anticipator. I consider myself to be good at playing with the ball at my feet. I like to play vertically. I think Iām also good at playing long balls. I want to complement what is needed from the team and I hope my game is complemented too.
Why #2?
The reason is because it is a symbolic number in soccer, specifically for this position. I think itās good to play with a small number. Iām coming from wearing 37 in my last club, which was one of my favorite numbers. I wanted to keep it at first, but then I went back to old school and decided to go with 2.
Outside of soccer, what are your favorite things to do for fun?
I like to hang out a lot with my friends. Eat asado. I like to go out and fish with my family. I just like doing a lot of things that involve hanging out with someone, especially my friends. I pretty much live with them, and I hope to bring some of them and some of my family. I have alot of interests and I like to go out and do things ā itād be a whole spiel if I spoke about all of them now.
What is your message for Union fans ahead of your first season with the club?
First off, I would like to thank them for welcoming me, and secondly, we are going to try to get the most we can from our team and finish as high as we can. Personally, Iāll leave everything on the field, and weāll aim high!
*This conversation has been translated from Spanish to English
