again SPECIALTOKENOENDTOKENThanksgiving in Virgina and afterwards in the Christmas break 🎄🎄

Back in McLean – my second home in the USA

It feels crazy familiar: As soon as the plane lands in Dulles, this warm feeling comes back as if I were coming home – not to Germany, but to my “American family” in McLean, Virginia. Already last year, the ten days with them were a highlight for me, and I never thought that this connection would develop so quickly and so deeply. Now I’m back here – and the anticipation was at least as great as it was then.

A reunion that feels like family

No sooner through the door than I get pulled into one of those typical American family hugs that are kind of chaotic and incredibly warm at the same time. Again, there is everything I love about this place: long conversations, laughter together about things that only we understand, and of course, plenty of great food.

Speaking of food, the traditional feast is back – and I swear my American host mother secretly did an apprenticeship with a star chef. Turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pies ... I tell you, for this meal I would also fly 15 hours.

Excursions that feel like mini adventures

McLean is strategically perfectly located: In a few minutes you will be in the center of Washington DC. That is, of course, what we are making full use of. The plan includes:

Walks along the Potomac

And of course: A few shopping trips are also part of it.

Highlight: The football match of Georgetown University

One of the reasons I was so looking forward to the trip is the Georgetown Hoyas match again. As a footballer, it is always inspiring for me to see how much professionalism and passion there is in the university programs.

Maybe it’s crazy, but somehow I feel there not only as a spectator, but a bit like a part of it – like I’m watching in a possible future.

Visit to the Theater

New contacts – new opportunities

This year I consciously use the time to make contacts with other top universities with strong soccer programs. In the US, a lot is about personal relationships, and I realize how valuable it is to simply openly approach people.

I have already had initial conversations and exchanged contact details – and yes, it feels surreal that such doors are opening. Maybe it still takes time, maybe it happens quickly, but I suddenly see completely new ways for my sporting future.

Shock news from Florida:

Today I received the news that our head coach Adam Butler was terminated without notice. I have always appreciated him very much and used him as an advisor in more than one situation. Now he is also gone – so my search intensifies..

Christmas break to switch off

On 14.12. it goes to the Christmas break and I only report again in the new year. But first a longer flight to Mayé in the Seychelles. With Mamo and Luca and Noah

Happy feast and good luck
Pictures of the Seychelles here ->Seychelles