The adjustment to life in America can, at times, be exponentially more difficult for foreign players coming to Major League Soccer than adapting to the physicality of the League itself. But for new Crew SC additions Mohammed Saeid and Kristinn Steindorsson, Columbus already feels like home.
The Swedish Saeid and Icelandic Steindorsson got a grand tour of Columbus from Brand Ambassador and club legend Frankie Hejduk before departing for preseason training in Florida on Saturday. Saeid, signed in October, used his time in the Arch City during the winter months to get to know his new surroundings.
"I like it a lot. I’ve seen most parts, maybe by accident — I got lost a couple times," Saeid laughed. "I like it, it’s different."
For Steindorsson, however, getting accustomed to life in Ohio has been a bit of a whirlwind. The winger spent a little over 24 hours in Columbus before joining the Icelandic National Team in Orlando for a pair of friendlies earlier this month. Upon his return, Steindorsson had a limited time to explore his new city before heading back to Florida for preseason training with Crew SC.
"I was here a day-and-a-half before I went to Florida [with the Icelandic National Team]," the winger explained. "My first impressions have been good. Everything I’ve seen of the city so far and the people I’ve met, it’s been great."
What's been most impactful for the two so far was the fan reaction across social media since they signed with Crew SC.
"It was nice to feel the way they care about the club," Saeid said. "The way they welcome you, it felt good. It was overwhelmed."
Echoed Steindorsson: "I was actually a bit surprised [by the fan reaction]. I didn’t know I would get that reaction on Twitter, Facebook and everything getting messages. They’re still paying attention! It wasn’t just the first day that they were paying attention. They were watching the games with the National Team, giving a lot of positive feedback. It’s really nice. I’m hoping I can pay them back on the field."
Both players spent previous seasons playing in Sweden and believe Crew SC and MLS is a step up in their career. With the influx of European stars like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Sebastian Giovinco in 2015, both believe their home continent is starting to take notice of the level of play in the States.
"The League is improving vastly," explained Saeid. "It’s underrated by a lot of people in Europe, not because they know of it, but they’ve heard it. They don’t really watch the games, I don’t think, because of the time difference. They assume it’s where people go to retire, but it’s better than that. There are lot of fans here, better players here. It’s really made a big impression on me."
Added Steindorsson: "It’s a good league. Of course, it’s a physical league, but it’s getting more and more technical as well. Better players and bigger names are coming, so it’s a step up for me."
Off the field, both players are enjoying the simple pleasures America has to offer.
"The restaurants here, I like to eat -- it doesn’t show, but I do," Saeid joked. "I try new stuff, I love to try new stuff and there’s a bunch of stuff to do here. You can never get bored, really."
"For me, it’s like being in a movie all day," Steindorsson explained. "Everything here is bigger. It’s different than Iceland or Sweden, but in a good way. I like it. I think I’m going to be at home here. I’m happy."
