After playing for one of the biggest clubs in South America, Federico Bravo made the move from Boca Juniors to play for New York City FC in one of the biggest cities in the world.
It’s a difficult move, a tough transition, but the midfielder has been able to do so thanks to the help of his friends.
“It’s difficult to adapt. I’ve had my teammates and the coaching staff help me a lot and I still think that I need to improve to help the team on the field,” Bravo said. “I’ve spoken to David [Villa] and Andoni [Iraola] the most. They’re the Hispanic players that have already been on the team and were here. Andrea [Pirlo] has also helped me a lot with the process of adapting.”
Bravo, who has started nine of 11 games this season as the team’s defensive midfielder, has formed a partnership with Pirlo and Mikey Lopez particularly.
“I feel really good. Everyone knows what Andrea is like on the field as a player. He always helps his teammates,” Bravo said. “With Mikey, we understand each other really well because we have similar characteristics. I try to hold my own on the field which sometimes is a sacrifice and doing the dirty work. I know that I need to keep working hard every day and keep learning to keep my position in the starting lineup.”
Bravo made his MLS debut off the substitute’s bench in a season-opening win over the Chicago Fire and earned his first start a week later against Toronto FC. He’s been a figure in Patrick Vieira’s starting XI ever since.
While he continues to get acclimated to a new league and new teammates, Bravo said he is particularly enjoying his new city and seeing some of its sites.
“My family has come to visit me from Argentina. I also get along really well with Diego Martinez and we’ve gotten to know Manhattan,” Bravo said. “We’ve been to Central Park, Fifth Avenue, the Statue of Liberty. The city is beautiful, one of the prettiest in the world. So in our free time we try to take advantage of it.”
