Claudio nine for skipper Reyna.Byline: By Alan Marshall CLAUDIO REYNA Claudio Reyna (born July 20 1973 in Livingston, New Jersey) is an American soccer player. He was the captain of the U.S. national team before retiring from international soccer immediately following the USA's exit from the 2006 FIFA World Cup. admits he never dreamed he would play at four World Cup finals. The 32-year-old former Rangers star was confirmed yesterday as USA captain for this summer's showpiece show·piece n. Something exhibited, especially as an outstanding example of its kind. showpiece Noun 1. anything displayed or exhibited 2. in Germany. Manchester City midfielder Reyna heads a long list of England-based players in Bruce Arena's squad, including Fulham pair Brian McBride For other people of the same name, see . Brian McBride (born June 19, 1972) is a football striker who has appeared in three World Cups for the United States national team and is currently captain of Fulham F.C. of the English Premier League. and Carlos Bocanegra Carlos Bocanegra (born May 25, 1979) is a Mexican-American soccer player who currently plays for Fulham of the English Premiership. Although he is primarily a center back, he has also seen time at left back with Fulham and the U.S. national team. and Manchester United keeper Tim Howard
Reyna had been dogged by injury but regained fitness in time to be selected. He said: "It's special for me because after growing up in America, I would have just been pleased with playing in one World Cup and now to enter my fourth is something I can't really get my head around. "I think it was a bit of luck, the timing of my age for the first World Cup, but it's something I could have never dreamed of. "Like I said, growing up, if I would have played in one, I would have accomplished my goal so to go to my fourth is something that I'm proud of." Arena believes experience from previous tournaments will stand his team in good stead and he's convinced Reyna is a natural leader. The manager said: "We have 12 players returning with World Cup experience, so we have fantastic leadership. "Claudio now positions himself, as well as Kasey Keller, as one of the few players in the history of our sport to be involved in four World Cups. "I expect his leadership qualities and experience to be invaluable. Besides that, Claudio is an exceptional player and we need him to be on top of his game come June. So those are the expectations of Claudio - to be our leader and to be one of our best players." Bobby Convey and Marcus Hahnemann have been rewarded for their roles in Reading's promotion season with places in the squad. Midfielder Convey and keeper Hahnemann, who will both play in the Premiership next season, join a number of other English-based players in Arena's 23-man party for Germany, with Leeds defender Eddie Lewis another Britishbased inclusion. Arena has chosen to name his squad well ahead of the official deadline of May 13 but has named a 13-man reserve list in case of injuries. As expected, there is no place for 16-year-old Freddy Adu, the highly-rated DC United midfielder. CAPTION(S): DREAM: Claudio Reyna |
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