Before Fulham welcomes Arsenal to their historic home along the Thames River, Clint Dempsey talked exclusively with nikesoccer.com about his life in London, his hectic travel schedule, and his mindset leading into a derby weekend.
For all the fanfare that goes into derby clashes, Clint's quiet life in the London suburb of Wimbledon allows him to fly under the radar. His public notoriety has changed just a little bit since he was the relative unknown American moving abroad. "It's not too crazy now, but I do get noticed more." Clint says. "If I am out and around Wimbledon, especially when school is letting out, I do get people coming up to me or saying 'what's up.' It's cool."
You might expect some trash talking in a city with 13 professional clubs delivering more than a fair share of derby games and distinct fan bases, but Clint says he doesn't hear negativity from fans, even in jest. "There is so much going on in London," he says. "More than just football, so I don't get a lot of attention." If he does hear anything, it's usually from fans of the Blues, he says, not Arsenal.
And so the American soccer star goes about his low key London life, focusing on family and soccer. It's been a whirlwind start to the season for Clint, who has more on his plate than most. Beyond a new baby, there's Fulham's league schedule of course, then a new European competition and qualifying games en route to South Africa, where the punishing midfielder recently won the bronze ball as the third best player in the warm-up tournament to the finals. Clint plans on returning next summer.
In the last few months alone, Clint has traveled to Russia, South Africa, El Salvador, and California, just to name a few. How does he maintain? "I don't have any secrets," Clint says of dealing with the travel and multiple games in a week. "I like to get a lot of sleep, get in work with the team's physio staff, and take ice baths. Just things that help bring the life back into your body." During stretches like this, "there is no training outside of training," Clint says. "I rarely get even one day off a week." Want to be the best? You gotta put in the work.
Heading into a big game, it's a balance between mental focus and physical fitness. "You got to make sure you are feeling sharp and rested," Clint says. "Don't think about the game too much, because then you will stress yourself out. Stress can take its toll, so you have to manage your mind and body. I'll spend the time from now until the game focusing on my marking assignments, how Arsenal will play, and my overall game plan."
The work is never done, not for new fathers, not for footballers. Not for outside midfielders who need to cover the entire length of the field. Want to make the difference? You gotta be ready.
Clint Dempsey is ready for Arsenal.
