Former US Bundesliga player Steven Cherundolo on the new DFL office in New York: “Enthusiasm for the Bundesliga is growing”

Steven Cherundolo played for Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 between 1999 and 2014.

16.10.2018 – Steven Cherundolo played a total of 302 Bundesliga matches (6 goals) and 68 Bundesliga 2 matches (1 goal) for Hannover 96 between 1999 and 2014. He was part of the US World Cup squad on three occasions and gained 86 caps for the national team (2 goals). The 39-year-old has been a member of the DFL’s “Bundesliga Legends Network” since 2017. For dfl.de he comments on the opening of the DFL’s “Regional Head Office Americas” in New York:

“From the University of Portland to Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga – back in January 1999, this move was a huge step for me. Football was still not much of a big deal in the USA, but I soon realized just how incredibly important this sport is in Germany.

I would never have imagined that things would develop similarly in the USA. But football is now an established part of everyday life for many people in my home country. And when I visit the USA now, I see examples almost every day of how the enthusiasm for the Bundesliga is growing: Stickers of German clubs on the cars of parents taking their children to school. Fans raising the flags of their favorite teams in their front yards on match days. And bars showing football made in Germany that bring together dedicated members of the many fan clubs, often early in the morning.

Bundesliga players from the USA inspire people

People in the USA are generally passionate about sports, and they appreciate that many Bundesliga clubs regularly tour the United States – not only to train and play test matches but also to keep in touch with their fans. Bundesliga players from the USA like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and John Anthony Brooks inspire people and reach millions through their social media channels. But US football fans enjoy nothing more than meeting their idols up close and in person.

This is also why I am delighted to be a member of the DFL’s “Bundesliga Legends Network”. After all, bringing Americans into direct contact with German professional football in the most literal sense is exactly what I try to do whenever I visit the country.

Awareness for the Bundesliga will increase

It is very good news that the DFL is now opening an office in New York. As a home base for clubs and partners and, far more importantly, so that the needs of fans can be understood even better than before. On such a large continent with people from different cultures and religions, a local representation is indispensable in achieving success. This will further increase the awareness for the Bundesliga in the USA. And I have no doubt that I will be able to see the evidence for myself during my next visits home.”