Jozy Altidore Talks FIFA 08 - IGN

Coming off a stellar four-goal performance in this summer's U-20 World Cup, the 17 year old teenage phenom lead the US National team to a final eight finish and is quickly developing a reputation as the go-to striker for the New York Red Bulls. Now gracing the cover of FIFA 08 alongside two-time world player of the year Ronaldinho, Jozy chatted with us about being immortalized in a videogame, playing Halo, and of course, oatmeal.

IGN: First off, congratulations on the U-20 World Cup.

Jozy Altidore: Thank you, thank you.

IGN: The team made it to the final eight and you scored 4 goals in 5 games, that's a great tournament.

Altidore: Thanks a lot man.

Altidore: (Laughs)

IGN: I've heard a lot of athlete's nicknames, but that may be the best. How'd you get it?

Altidore: I don't really know. Some of my teammates just came up with it and I guess it just got out and everyone stuck with it.

IGN: That's pretty much all it takes. You made your professional debut with the NY Red Bulls last August, and now in less than a year you're on the cover of FIFA 08 next to Ronaldinho. Things are moving fast for you, huh?

Altidore: Definitely. It's come by complete shock, but I'm just thankful to be a part of something like this. The FIFA game, and the franchise, has been around for so long that to be a part of it in any way is fantastic.

IGN: You've actually had a chance to play FIFA 08 already. How's it look?

Altidore: Yeah, I got to play an early version of it and it looks great. It's very realistic. The skills they've added this year are cool and the new Be A Pro mode I think, is really gonna take FIFA gamers all over the world by storm.

Altidore: It allows you to play as one character during a match and play as if you were actually on the pitch in that position, whether you prefer being a left back or a right forward, you can play an entire season only in that position, just like real life. It's pretty exciting and a lot of fun.

IGN: Did you actually get to see your character model in the game?

Altidore: Totally. I got to look at him, see how he moves and it's pretty spot on. About as close as you can get, really, with my facial expressions and celebrations. It's just great.

IGN: If there was one trait you wanted EA to capture of you what would it be, and did they get it?

Altidore: Um… (pauses). Probably my goal celebration. They used my celebration from my goal against DC United, which was the most memorable one for me, and I'm glad they used that one.

IGN: If you couldn't play in Be A Pro mode as yourself, who would you play as?

Altidore: Theirry Henry, definitely. He's my player.

IGN: Nice. I'm excited to see how he does for Barcelona this year.

Altidore: Yeah, we all are.

IGN: Are there any other gamers on the Red Bulls squad? Any FIFA playing on the road between matches?

Altidore: There's a couple. There are a few guys who I play with on the road and we get a couple of games in here and there to pass the time before a match.

IGN: Who's the best?

Altidore: Um… I'm not gonna brag, but I kind of stand out a little bit.

Altidore: (Laughs)

IGN: Your coach on the NY Red Bulls is Bruce Arena and a number of veterans on the team like Claudio Reyna have had very decorated careers with US Soccer. How does playing with these guys help you as a player and a professional?

Altidore: Oh, it's a big help, because those guys are seasoned pros they've played at the highest level. To have them along side me and to be a part of this team is a huge plus for me personally. They've been there guiding me and teaching me good habits on how to be a professional and I couldn't ask for anything more.

IGN: What do you think about David Beckham coming to MLS?

Altidore: Becks? Aw, it's great, man. Beckham I think is going to do a lot marketing and exposure-wise for MLS and he's also gonna be good for the Galaxy. He's a great player and you know he'll provide those crosses and free kicks for them, but overall he's going to do nothing but help the league.

IGN: How's living in New York? You staying out of trouble out there?

Altidore: Definitely. No trouble, you know. It's pretty hectic in the city, but it's a lot of fun at the same time.

Altidore: I play Halo. Everybody plays Halo here in the states. I think it's a great game and I know I'm not the only one who thinks that. I gotta jump on Halo 3 when it comes out.

IGN: It's a dream for many athletes to land the cover of a videogame. You're still a teenager and you've already done it, so what are you other future goals in professional soccer or anything else?

Altidore: Like any player, I want to play for the full National team. I also want to play on the Olympic team and try to win a medal, and of course one day to play in a World Cup on the world's biggest stage is a dream of mine of course. Plus playing abroad or in Europe in one of the top leagues in the world. Those really are the three main goals for me. It's just important for me to always be patient and take the time needed to achieve any goals I set for myself.

IGN: Speaking of playing in Europe, I heard Freddy Adu (your teammate on the U-20 National Team just signed with Benfica in Portugal. If you get the chance to go play for a club in Europe who would you hope to play for?

Altidore: Maybe Barcelona. It would be great to play alongside a guy like Henry. He's a great player. As for Freddy, I'm couldn't be happier for him. I think it's a perfect opportunity to show the world what he can do, and I think he's gonna do really well there.