Gaston Sauro arrived in Columbus with his wife and daughter as the sun was setting over the Capital City on Friday night. The Argentine defender and his family are starting a new chapter in their lives, moving to the U.S. and becoming a part of the Columbus Crew SC family.
Ever since arriving in Columbus, things have moved quickly for Sauro. After a night's rest, the 25-year-old visited MAPFRE Stadium, where he spoke with the media and watched his new club’s 3-2 comeback win over Sporting Kansas City.
“It was a great experience to be part of that and see the game," Sauro says. "It was a great game, how the fans just love and feel for the game here. It makes me excited to be here and I just can’t wait to get started.”
It’s already happening, as Sauro began training with the team Monday morning.
“It’s been great,” he says. “The way we train here, it’s tough, it’s hard. And for me, it’s just getting in shape, physically, and being able to help the team.”
After spending the 2014-15 campaign on loan from FC Basel to Italy’s Calcio Catania, Sauro trained by himself for the past month in an effort to get his fitness back to game-level.
“I think I need a little bit more time, but I think with the training sessions that are here, and with what we’ve been doing, it’s just a matter of time,” Sauro says. “I feel fully confident that it’ll be soon.”
Sauro says “the most important thing is to get fit and be ready to play” and acknowledges the hard work it’s going to require. “It’s working hard, it’s getting to know the guys, and getting to know myself within the group.”
Once Sauro starts getting accustomed to his teammates, Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter says he should fit into his system well, as FC Basel plays a similar style of soccer. With this sensible combination, the centerback indicates Berhalter as the main reason for venturing to Columbus.
“Basically, I talked to the coach and that was the main reason why I decided to come. It is really nice when a coach really wants you and I look forward to playing in a league that is growing,” Sauro says. “Gregg likes my characteristics as a defender.”
As supporters are eager to see him on the pitch wearing the Black & Gold, Sauro provides hope that day will come soon.
“If it’s not this weekend, hopefully it’s next weekend,” Sauro says. “The important thing is to try to help out the team in the best form possible, and that’s what we’re concentrating on."