Luis Robles, the three-time Supporters’ Shield winner and the eight-year MLS veteran, officially signed for Inter Miami CF today.
The Club caught up with Robles following his announcement to get his thoughts on signing with Inter Miami ahead of the inaugural season in 2020.
Here is what Robles had to say.
Q: How do you feel about joining Inter Miami CF?
A: “I’m really excited to be a part of this organization and this family and as we get ready for our inaugural season, I hope that as the season draws near the excitement just continues to get bigger and bigger. This organization is putting together a roster that is going to be competitive, that is going to be ambitious, and is going to wear the jersey with pride.
Q: What made you choose Inter Miami?
A: “When I met with the front office, Paul [McDonough], Niki [Budalic] and Kurt [Schmid], the way that they presented the project and the vision for this organization was incredible and for them to even consider me to be a part of it left me floored and absolutely humbled. The way that they spoke about it got me excited because there was even a part of me that was wondering how I fit into this, and me never being a free agent before and never really visiting other organizations and just seeing them from afar, this was a first for me. And I remember the night before when I was in the hotel in Coral Gables just being anxious and not being able to sleep well because I didn’t know what to expect, and on Tuesday going out to Inter Miami Stadium and seeing the training facility I was completely blown away. Not only were these guys accommodating and welcoming and just very professional, but the way they continue to paint this incredible picture, who wouldn’t want to be a part of this project?
Q: With their vision in mind and the nature of expansion teams, what are your expectations for the Club?
A: I think Paul’s experience being at Orlando and starting a new team and then going to Atlanta and doing it again is invaluable. And really that ends up being one of the biggest advantages and possibly the greatest asset this organization has going forward. Because he was able to see what it takes to make a team competitive from the very beginning, and if you remember, that Orlando team that first year they almost made it, they just missed the playoffs. He was a huge part of building that roster and then for him to transition to go to Atlanta, you see the success story that Atlanta is. So, with his pedigree and his knowledge of building an expansion team, I think everyone that is a part of this project, that is a part of this organization, is expecting this team to not only be competitive right from the beginning, but to mimic some of the success that Atlanta and LAFC have had, even though they are only a couple of years into their projects.
Q: What do you want the fans to know about what you’re going to bring to the team?
A: I would like them to know that I’m the type of person that – I don’t want it to be generic, I want it to be as authentic as possible and I think that’s who I am. I wear my emotions on my sleeve, I’m a very authentic person and when I believe in something, I fight for it. As they have included me in this project, I absolutely believe in everything that they are trying to accomplish. That means that from here on out I’ll give it my all. I hope to give it in such a way that when it’s all said and done, I leave the organization better than I found it.
Q: What excites you about taking on a new challenge after so many years with the New York Red Bulls?
A: I think for me what is most exciting is the unknown. As we go into this we are hoping that we can use some of our experiences to not only give us the confidence that we can help, but that we can be a huge asset to not only the locker room and the team, but this organization, the community, and everybody that comes across Inter Miami CF.
Q: You were the 16th player signed to Inter Miami’s roster, what do you think fans should expect from this team? Is there anybody in particular you are excited to get to work with?
A: I know Victor [Ulloa] from afar, I know A.J. [DeLaGarza] from afar, and Lee [Nguyen] and I spent some time together with the national team, so I’m really excited to be their teammate because I know them and I’ve never been able to be teammates with them, so it will be fun to see what it’s like on the other side.
I think what fans can expect is a really nice blend of experienced MLS veterans who understand the league and understand what it takes to be successful and have had success, and then you throw in the international players that can come in and really be exciting and be difference makers that are going to take us to the next level.
