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Colorado Rapids

Badji on a Possible MLS Debut, Thierry Henry and His Special Goal Celebration

March 6, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Rookie striker Dominique Badji may make his MLS debut at Philadelphia Union this Saturday (kickoff 2 p.m. MT). Speaking exclusively to Rapids Media, the 2015 SuperDraft pick tells Richard Clarke about preseason, stepping up in standard and why you'll have to watch carefully when he first hits the net...

How do you feel about the prospect of making your MLS debut?

I haven't really thought about it that much. Honestly, I was kind of nervous in my first professional game when we played San Jose over preseason. Ever since, the jitters have gone out of my system so I think I will just be ready to go.

It is a higher standard from what you've experienced so far, are you confident you can bridge that gap?

Oh yeah, definitely. I'm not alone out there. There's a lot of people that have had previous experience in this league that are helping me throughout the way, so I'll get the hang of it. I definitely will.

Obviously, Rapids had a difficult time last year. What's the atmosphere been like?

It's a different perspective looking at it from the outside, not being a part of the team. I'm sure a lot of things contributed to them not ending the season the way they wanted to. Being here, everybody has had that sour taste in their mouth and I think they are ready to hit the ground running and make up for the time lost last year.

Your twitter handle is @dbadji14, and you got the number 14. Is that number special to you?

It is very special to me. Thierry Henry is my childhood idol, and we're big Arsenal fans in my family. My dad loves Thierry Henry. He's always been in the household, so 14 is the number I picked.

Why Thierry in particular?

I was a fan of Thierry Henry at Arsenal. ls. He's a role model on and off of the field. I know that back in France he works in the community a lot, and he's one of the players that really interacts with a lot of the fans. I respect that as a player. Of course, on the field he is at a whole other level. He plays the same position that I do and that's what I really strive to be.

You're the 10th player we have signed and a lot of those newcomers have a lot of experience. Is that crucial to any side to have younger players like yourself mixed with experience?

The mix is definitely important. Coming in here and not having the veterans in the locker room to really show you the way to be a professional, I think that would make it a lot harder for us. Having them there allows them to give their insights to the rookies coming in.

What about personal targets, do you want so many goals and so many assists?

As a forward, you always want to score. Coming into my rookie year I have to be realistic. At this point being on the field doing whatever the coaching staff wants me to do, contributing anyway I can.

Do you have a special goal celebration planned when for when you score you first goal?

I have a few in my locker and hopefully you'll see them very soon. I am planning something. All I can say is that the fans are going to love it!

After the game when you score that first goal, who is the first person you call?   

My Dad, no doubt. I call my Dad after every practise and every game. He does not have the luxury of being able to watch the games so he is anxious for my phone call so he knows how it went.

Finally, given where the Rapids come from, what counts as 'success" this season?

I honestly believe that you have to start every season with the right mentality of wanting to go all of the way, winning everything possible. Along the way you're going to hit some bumps and have to readjust your goals but, to begin with, I don't see why we should not think about going for everything.

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