MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes New Designated Player Jamiro Monteiro Speaks to Media

Published on February 17, 2022 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes new Designated Player Jamiro Monteiro today spoke to media for the first time following his trade from the Philadelphia Union on Monday, Feb. 14.

Monteiro, 28, competed for the Philadelphia Union for the past three seasons, totaling nine goals and 21 assists in 75 regular season appearances (70 starts). During his time with Philadelphia, the Union finished top three in the Eastern Conference each season and won the coveted Supporters' Shield in 2020 with a league-best 14-4-5 record. Monteiro is one of just four players in Major League Soccer to tally at least six assists in each of the past three seasons, along with Quakes midfielder Cristian Espinoza.

The Rotterdam, Netherlands native was also a catalyst for Philadelphia during international play, leading the club to the semifinals of the 2021 Concacaf Champions League and was later named to the Team of the Tournament. Internationally, Monteiro represents Cape Verde, the nation of his parents' heritage. He has scored one goal in 20 appearances for Cape Verde, most recently making three appearances as part of the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2022.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JAMIRO MONTEIRO

On his transition to San Jose:

"Before I was traded to San Jose, I had good conversations with the coach [Matias Almeyda]. The feeling was very good; his mindset and the plans that he had felt very good. For me, it's a very big challenge and I'm really excited to be here. I'm also here with my family, and it's also a big challenge for my family, but I like challenges so I'm excited."

On his initial conversations with Quakes head coach Matias Almeyda:

"The first thing he said was that he wants to win the league, and that's also in my head. I also want to win the league. That's what I'm going for. He was telling me what kind of player I am and what we need in the team. He felt like I can make a big difference. For me that's a big challenge. Like I said, I like challenges, I like when I have pressure on me."

On the adjustment to California and initial impressions:

"The first thing when we got here, my daughters and my wife took their jackets off because the weather was different. You could see already that they can go outside without jackets. The feeling was great. We got to the hotel and my kids could go outside. We saw the city a little bit, so it feels good to be here."

On his arrival and being welcomed by his new team:

"They welcomed me very well. When I arrived, I got a great feeling. Yesterday I had my first training with the group, and it already feels really good. It feels like I have already been here for weeks and it's just my third day now. It's really good to be here."

On his playing style:

"I'm a player that wins the ball, I want to move forward, so [Almeyda] was telling me the same thing. I think I will fit well in this team, and I will do everything to bring a big impact to this team. I will do everything for that."

On what he is looking forward to:

"[I'm excited to play] with this whole group. I can't wait for the season, for the first game. That's what I'm excited about, for our home opener against the New York Red Bulls."

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