FRISCO, Texas - After a four-hour flight delay en route from Miami, Fafa Picault finally touched down at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Wednesday night, ready to get to work.
“I’m ready to enjoy the city, embrace it, the people and the club,” Picault said. ‘The main part is to get to soccer and that’s what I can’t wait to do.”
The forward, recently acquired from the Philadelphia Union, sees himself as a perfect addition to Luchi Gonzalez’s system.
“It’s exciting to be here and play under Luchi’s system,” he said. “The club and I have spoken about different spots I could fit into, so that’s what pre-season is for. I am here to work and help the team go as far as it can.”
Although Picault is a versatile player, who frequently moved around the forward and midfield lines last season, the chance to return to an attacking role excites him.
“Obviously, I’m going to do everything that I can to fit into [the system] and even elevate it,” he said. “I’ve seen how [FC Dallas] plays and it is quality football. So, my job now is to come in and do what I do.”
Picault notched five goals and five assists in all competitions last season, including his standout performance against New York Red Bulls in the MLS Cup Playoffs. In his three seasons with Philadelphia, Picault recorded 21 goals and 12 assists.
Picault, 28, also spent time in Europe prior to his arrival in Philadelphia. The forward made 22 appearances for 2. Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists. He spent part of the 2014-15 season with Czech club Sparta Prague, but never made a league appearance.
An East Coast kid by birth, Picault is unfamiliar with the Dallas area, but ready to explore his new home.
“I’ve never lived here,” he said. “I’ve only been here for games and usually you’re stuck in a hotel, so you don’t get to enjoy the city as much.”
When asked about his expectations for the city, Picault said he heard plenty of good things.
“I’ve heard about the food, obviously, and the atmosphere,” he said. “The people are cool out here. I’m just looking forward to it.”
The forward even joked about pioneering a new fashion trend, blending the popular shoe culture of the Northeast with that of Texas.
“I have my cowboy boots in the bag,” he said. “I’ll wear one cowboy boot and one [Timberland] on the other side.”
