Kartes' parents and siblings have watched over his career since he was young. "I think it's always good to have a local player on the team," he said. He is the first local who is a regular player for the Mutiny, and Mondelo said that could bring more people to the stands. Mondelo said Kartes is a potential boost for the team. At the home opener, he signed 50 jerseys for fans. Already, Kartes knows many local soccer fans from his days in youth leagues. Mutiny Coach Alfonso Mondelo thinks Kartes is poised to become a hometown favorite. His parents, sisters and other family members attended the game in Tampa _ a far cry from the days when his father flew to Greece to watch him play. "There's nothing nicer than looking in the stands and seeing my brother's little kids."Īt the team's home opener last month, his family and friends came out in full force. "It's nice to do what you love doing close to home," he said. He makes less money _ how much less, the family doesn't discuss _ but he thinks he made the right decision. Now he plays soccer for the Tampa Bay Mutiny, and his family can watch his games regularly. He could stay in Greece, where he was getting little playing time as a reserve for Olympiakos, or he could break his five-year, $2-million contract and return to the United States. However flattering the attention, Kartes wanted to play more _ and he missed his family.īy the age of 19, while his former classmates from Tarpon Springs were deciding which first-year biology class to take or learning how to live on their lean paychecks, Kartes faced a decision of his own. Kartes, who has dark hair and matinee-idol looks, once recalled that it was not uncommon for women to knock on his hotel room door in the middle of the night when he was on the road "to see if I'm interested." In Greece, Kartes played under his Greek name, Kosta Karterouliotis.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |