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PhillySoccer.com's interview with Philly native and international US midfielder, Bobby Convey

Tell us a little about your background and how it relates to the Philly area....

What do you think was the most important part of your development as a youth player here in Philly that allowed you the opportunity to play pro?
Bobby Convey: I think the most important part of my development was being given a chance to play with good players and having a lot of fields to train on. Where I grew up in Northeast there were a lot of people who enjoyed soccer and really had a passion for the sport and gave me an opportunity to be the best I could be.

Are you a soccer fan? Who is your favorite team? player?
Bobby Convey: I have always been a soccer fan and always enjoyed watching the premiership on TV when I was younger. I always watched Tottenham Hotspurs when Les Ferdinand was there and also had an opportunity to play with him last year as well. My favorite team in Real Madrid and my favorite player is Zidane.

Do you still come back to Philly at all during the off season? To see your brother play and you mother?
Bobby Convey: I was actually just home in Philadelphia for a week to see friends in Philly that I haven't seen in awhile. I have a house in Charleston, SC that I call home now but I visit Philly all the time and try to get back as many times as I can. Our season over here is ten months long and with the national team on top of that I don't really get too many breaks.

 
On Philly getting an MLS team...

Where do you feel a location would be best for a Philly MLS team?
Bobby Convey: I think it would be awesome for Philly to get a team but I think that the team should be in Philadelphia. There are so many kids that play soccer in the area that it would have an amazing following and I can’t believe they do not have a team already. Philadelphia sports are different then anywhere else and it would be great to finally have a home town team for people to go watch.

Do you believe a Philly MLS team could succeed at Rowan/Glassboro, NJ?
Bobby Convey: I think an MLS team can succeed anymore in the US as long as there are a proper amount of fans and support where ever the team is located. I am sure they are going to be building an awesome facility at Rowan University and only time will tell if Philly will embrace the team or if it will be a South Jersey team. There is a big difference in living in Philly and living in Jersey so I am not sure if people will drive that far away.

What do you think of the popularity of soccer in Philly?
Bobby Convey: I think the popularity of soccer in Philly is amazing and as I was just at home there were little soccer players all over the place. Soccer is a growing sport in the states and Philly has definitely embraced soccer and I think has for a very long time.

Considering your recent success, both at the club and international levels, do you think you might come back to play in Philadelphia if the league expands here?
Bobby Convey: I am very happy with the gradual progression of my career so far and had the best season of my life last year. I have played five years in MLS and have just signed for another three years which would make my time in England to five years as well. I would never count out coming back to my home town team and would love to play in Philadelphia when a team goes there. As of now I have a contract until 2009 and after that anything can happen.