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John Daley Reporting Utah's soccer world is buzzing with the arrival of the young phenomenon Freddy Adu.
He flew into Salt Lake last night after a trade from DC United, and took center stage at a press conference this morning.
Freddy Adu has the kind of personality that can light up a room, and Real Salt Lake is counting on him lighting it up on the field here next spring and at the box office.
Freddy Adu is already this new team's most sought-after star, starting his day with a KSL Radio interview with Doug Wright, then moving on to his introductory news conference.
Less than 24-hour after arriving, he's already got groupies who ducked out of school to be here and meet him.
Whitley Davis, Brighton High Soccer Player: "He's 17 and playing professional soccer pretty much. So it's just way exciting because he's our age playing."
Mandy Verdoia, Brighton High Soccer Player: "One of our friends actually came to school today with a Real Salt Lake jersey and on the back he had put in blue tape ‘Adu.' We got to school and everyone was like, ‘oh my God, did you hear?' and we were like "yeah."
Abbie Knox, Brighton High Soccer Player: "I'm totally stoked to have him come here. I think it's awesome that we have Freddy Adu coming here to play for us. It's amazing. I'm excited."
The move reunites Adu with his old coach, who he says he played his best soccer under.
Freddy Adu, RSL Midfielder: "I just want to say I can't be happier. I cannot be happier to be here." The team feels the same way.
With a new stadium deal heading for a final decision, Adu who has scored spectacular goals against RSL in the past, comes full of promise and, perhaps without some of the pressure he had before, as the new savior of American soccer.
Jeff Cunningham, RSL Striker: "I'm happy he's here man. He's a great talent and a great personality and he'll be great for this organization to have."
Freddy Adu, RSL Midfielder: "When you come into the league at fourteen and you're made the face of the league, it's tough. But when you're 17 and they expect you to be the face of the franchise, I mean at least you've been through it before and at least you know what to expect. So it's great, it's a good feeling."
The move already is paying some dividends. The team says they signed up 100 new season ticket holders in the last 24 hours.
Meantime, there's rumblings of even more big news for the league. Rumors that two big stars may join MLS soon--Brazil's Ronaldo and Real Madrid's David Beckham.
As for concerns among fans that Adu may bolt to big money in Europe midseason when he turns 18 and becomes eligible to play there….only time will tell.
Today, Adu says he's excited about playing for ReAL. Adu has a contract to play here for a year, and ReAL hopes to entice him to stay longer.
