Nana Attakora is living outside of Canada for the first time in his young life.
The 22-year-old center back was traded to San Jose along with Jacob Peterson and Alan Gordon from Toronto FC on July 14, marking his first permanent address away from Canada.
SJEarthquakes.com sat down with the new arrival to discuss adjusting to life away from home, national anthems and what it's like being in a new locker room.
SJEarthquakes.com: Have you learned the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ yet?
Nana Attakora: (Laughs) No, I haven’t actually. But it’s something I really want to do. That’s a very interesting national anthem you guys have here, but I’ll get it down.
SJEQ: Is it weird not hearing ‘O Canada’ before matches?
NA: It was for the first time. That’s when it actually hit me that I’m not in Toronto anymore because every game I’m used to hearing the Canadian national anthem. It hit me the first game being away from Toronto.
SJEQ: Have you lived in Canada your whole life? What was it like making the move to the States?
NA: Yeah, I’ve lived in Toronto my whole life. For me, getting out of Toronto was something I felt needed to happen. I was there for so long. Great city, but when you’re in one place for so long you get bored and need a change. For me, the move to San Jose was a good change.
SJEQ: How has your transition been since the trade?
NA: It’s been tough, because I came in a unique situation. I had been out for almost two months so I had a lot of catching up to do both on the field and off the field, but I’ve been working hard and keeping busy. After training I have my own program that I have to get done. It’s tough not being fit.
SJEQ: How is your leg doing?
NA: It’s getting better. Like the coaches were saying, I am in a bit of a ‘preseason mode’ because I have been out for so long. But at the same time I need to be careful with how much I do because we are still in season. I am getting there slowly.
SJEQ: What do you like best about the Bay Area so far?
NA: I haven’t been able to get out and do anything really; nothing at all, to be honest. The guys on the team are real good at helping me get through a tough transition period for me. They’ve been really cool and helped me so far.
SJEQ: How have you adjusted to the team?
NA: I’ve adjusted well. I actually knew a few of the guys coming in, plus Alan and Jacob came with me from Toronto. It was an easy transition getting to know the guys.
SJEQ: Is it easier getting traded when you go with two of your teammates?
NA: Yeah, definitely. Usually coming in as a new guy you don’t have that one or a few people that you’re close with, but I came with Jacob and Alan so I can always rely on them if I’m looking for something to do.
SJEQ: What is the locker room dynamic like?
NA: Here it’s a different mentality. Here it’s more laid back. I go about my day the same, but it’s there are different personalities here and I’m still trying to get to know everybody.
SJEQ: How do you like playing at Buck Shaw Stadium?
NA: It’s different than Toronto. Here the fans are great. The last game we played here (August 6 against the Portland Timbers) they were loud, man. It’s a great atmosphere here and it’s fun.
SJEQ: Which Quakes player has given you the most helpful advice?
NA: Buschy, so far. Jon Busch. He took me out to lunch last weekend, and sat me down. He’s an experienced player and I’m still young so I have a lot to learn in the game. So far he has been that teacher-type guy for me. I am excited to have him here. He’s helped me a lot.
SJEQ: Take us through a typical game day. What are your preparations, foods, rituals, etc.?
NA: I try to take my mind off of the game while I’m at home, to take some of the pressure off. When I get in here it’s a lot of music and stretching. The hour before kickoff is when I’m quiet and keep to myself just thinking about the game and certain situations.
SJEQ: What has been your favorite moment of your career?
NA: Probably my first professional goal with Toronto. As a defender you don’t score too many goals. It was my first goal at home so it was a good feeling.
SJEQ: What has your experience with the Canadian National Team been like?
NA: On that team I was with some great players: Dwayne de Rosario and Julian de Guzman. I was young. Obviously you’re going to be nervous your first time in. I am close friends with de Guzman so he made that transition easier, and it was a great learning experience. Hopefully I can get myself back on the team and continue to develop.
SJEQ: What actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
NA: Denzel Washington. He’s a great actor and I really like his movies.
SJEQ: If you could have one musician come to play at halftime of a game, who would it be?
NA: If he was still alive, it would be Bob Marley. That’s the kind of music I listen to before the game to get calm and relaxed. If he were still alive I would definitely have him here.
SJEQ: If you were to have a walk up song what would it be?
NA: That’s a good question. Probably Jay-Z ‘I did it my way’.
SJEQ: You claim to be a master chef of chicken wings. Have you made them for the team?
NA: I haven’t had a chance to yet, but I would love to. If I get an opportunity I would for sure.
