Q+A: FREDDY ADU

Wednesday, April 4, 2007 | 7:20 a.m.

He's been called the next Pele and been dubbed the face of soccer in the United States, a wunderkind who came to this country from Ghana when he was 8 and his mother won a "green card" lottery.

Freddy Adu would put America on the World Cup map.

Nike feted him with a $1 million endorsement deal when he was 14, and he reportedly makes $500,000 a season.

He became the youngest player - 16 - to appear for the U.S. national team when he played against Canada in January 2006.

He had a lukewarm three seasons with D.C. United and two-week trial with the Manchester United reserves last fall. He was traded to Real Salt Lake in December.

Adu will turn 18 in June.

After Real fought Colorado to a 0-0 draw Saturday night in the first top-flight soccer match in Las Vegas in 30 years, Adu spoke with the Sun about his first trade, handling huge expectations and his future.

Q: How did you handle your first trade?

I requested it. I knew this team had veteran leadership and (coach) John Ellinger would let me be me. Every time I play under him, I succeed. He's the first coach I had. He lets me play and have a little bit of flair. That's what I was able to do today, and it's what you'll see most of the time during the season.

He doesn't restrict me. He doesn't tell me to play 1-2 touch. He wants me to get the ball and create chances.

When I have that kind of responsibility, that's when I shine.

You weren't allowed to be yourself at D.C.?

Well, it was a little different in D.C. The playmakers were Jaime Moreno and Christian Gomez. They were the guys who got the ball. (I was) told to give it to those guys. You can't argue with that, though. Those guys have done a lot.

I figured it was the wrong situation for me. That's not really the kind of player I am. I knew if I came here, I'd be one of the guys, if not the guy, who the ball goes through and who guys look to to create chances.

Has the contract been a burden?

I wouldn't say burden ... (he laughs).

How about the expectations?

Definitely.

There's definitely an extra challenge when you're looked to to be the face of the league.

Now that (David) Beckham's coming, it takes a little bit of pressure off myself and guys like Landon Donovan (of the Los Angeles Galaxy).

(Beckham) will probably carry a lot more of that burden. That's good for me. I can concentrate on playing, learn and get better.

I haven't felt this comfortable and happy playing in a long time. It shows out there. Really, it does.

Soccer hasn't been fun for you?

With the Under-20 team and this team, I feel really good about myself right now.

Did you expect to be a member of the U.S. national team last summer?

I did. I saw other countries took certain young players, for the experience. I've seen it done before, with guys like Ronaldo (of Brazil) and Theo Walcott (of England).

I was kind of hoping the U.S. would take me, just for the experience. But it didn't happen. I was definitely disappointed in that, but you respect it. It just gives you more incentive to work harder. That's what I will do.

What do you think about a Major League Soccer team in Las Vegas?

It would be an advantage for the home team, for sure. (He laughs.) (Players) coming in and seeing the casinos everywhere ... just a great place.