WASHINGTON, D.C. — Having finally concluded his astonishing rookie season thisweek, D.C. United starlet Andy Najar remains grounded as he heads into whatpromises to be an eventful winter for him and his club.
In the four weeks since United’s final match of 2010, Najarhas already won the MLS Rookie of the Year award, turned down a call-up to theHonduran national team and made plans for a December training stint in Europe.
“I think I’m going to Spain, but I don’t know what club,”Najar said of his offseason trip this week. “I’m just waiting for the news. It’sexciting. You know, it’s my dream to go there and just practice with a clubthere. A great opportunity.”
But the 17-year-old is taking his time as he negotiates thenewfound pressures of stardom, especially the ongoing speculation regarding hisinternational career.
[inline_lightbox:14074]He and his teammates are eager for some time away from thedaily training grind and he acknowledges feeling some fatigue after a drainingyear. But he also sounds determined to continue his personal development andmake a seamless transition into 2011.
“I’ll just stay home with my family, spend time with them,”he said when asked about other winter plans. “I feel a little tired but I needto keep playing and practicing, to get ready for the next year.”
Najar also reiterated his determination to put off anynational team opportunities until he’s made further progress in his club careerand completed his high school equivalency studies.
“I’m just waiting to take that decision,” the Choluteca-bornwinger said. “I’m too young and I want to have enough time with my family goingforward.”
Najar admits to being taken aback by the media frenzy thathas erupted over his international career. His reluctance to join Los Catrachos has sparked fears inHonduras that he might join the United States national team upon completion ofthe naturalization process. One report even concocted false statements thatwere attributed to his father, himself a former professional player back in Choluteca.
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“Yeah, I was surprised about that,” he said. “But you know,it just doesn’t matter for me. I just keep playing and doing my work.
“They’re very emotional about that but I’m just lookingforward. I don’t care about that – I’m just waiting.”
Perhaps most importantly, Najar says he has the full backingof his father no matter what he decides.
“He said, ‘You have the last word,’” Najar said. “‘You haveto decide about that. We are going to support you in everything you do. Youdecide Honduras or USA and we are going to support you.’”
