Johnny Cardoso, a U.S. midfielder and Atlético Madrid signing, jokingly states his preference for football over singing. He recalls performing Maroon 5's 'Payphone' during his initiation, a song that connects him to his childhood in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Growing up, he faced pressure and loneliness while pursuing his dreams. His parents supported him during challenging times, often visiting to comfort him. The lyrics of the song resonate with his journey, emphasizing themes of longing and connection to home.
"I don't sing very well," Johnny Cardoso says. "I prefer to play football." And with that, the United States midfielder, and new Atlético Madrid signing, starts laughing.
There was something practical about it, too. "I'm at a payphone, trying to call home; all of my change, I spent on you." There were many words Johnny didn't know in English -- many he still doesn't -- but these were words he did.
When I was in Porto Alegre, my dad would come and get me on the bus, this was the music we would listen to, so it was already in my head.
Some days he thought he couldn't do it and just wanted to go back, calling his parents in tears. They would come whenever they could, all the way from Criciúma, and help him through it.
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