Former Hong Kong footballer Calvin Harris joins FC Cincinnati after starring in 2021 MLS Superdraft
- English forward will play under Jaap Stam after being picked second overall in the college draft pick
- Harris, who spent four years in Hong Kong, says would ‘definitely have a long think’ about a national team call-up
The 2021 MLS Superdraft’s second overall pick Calvin Harris wants to savour the milestone of becoming a fully professional footballer after signing with FC Cincinnati in January.
The England-born 20-year-old attacker joined the MLS Eastern Conference side from college team Wake Forest, where his 10 goals and five assists in 32 games earned him a Generation Adidas pro contract for early draft eligibility.
“It will hopefully sink in when I move there around the middle of February. Being around your new club and teammates and getting my first pay cheque will ultimately be that realisation that I’ve achieved something I wanted for pretty much my whole life.”
Having said his goodbyes after two years of college football, Harris is ready to adapt to new coach Jaap Stam’s style of possession-based football. The former Manchester United and Dutch national team centre back will undoubtedly be excited at the prospect of a new speedy finisher in his squad.
“I haven’t kicked a ball with the team or been around the club so it’s very early to say what my role will be. I would obviously like to play as many minutes as I can, but I also know that will only be possible if I’m training well,” Harris said, citing some clinical finishers of generations old and new.
“Whatever my role is for the team, I will be doing it to my best ability. I base my game around Thierry Henry, Kylian Mbappe and Mason Greenwood. I take bits and pieces from their game in pace, finishing and chance creation, and apply it with my game.”
From England, to Hong Kong, to New Zealand, to Ohio, Harris is ready to stamp his mark once again.
“I’ve been able to say goodbye to [Wake Forest] teammates, coaches and staff who have helped me through two years. I’m really grateful for them and I’m ready for my next adventure,” he said.
“I‘m fortunate enough to say I’ve travelled around the world pretty much throughout my life. I know a lot of people don’t get that opportunity. The main thing for me is to get in, comfortable and used to everything. To find my confidence as early as I can because I know when I’m confident I’ll be playing at my best, and when I’m playing at my best that means I’ll have more opportunities to help my team.”
As for his national team goals, Harris explained that while he no longer has his Hong Kong ID or passport, he would be open to a call-up if the stars aligned.
Hong Kong national team players require a Hong Kong passport, meaning he would need to live in the city for seven consecutive years to secure an ID card before applying for a passport. His previous tenure as a youth with Hong Kong Football Club would not count.
“If the opportunity came to play for Hong Kong and to come back, I would definitely have a long think about it. It could be a possibility in future,” Harris said.
