What happens when a Colombian born in Camden comes to the States? Steven Alzate is answering that question as Atlanta United’s new midfield signing.
Alzate’s family moved around London in his youth and settled in the borough of Islington, where he grew up with the sport he plays to this day. His journey to the topflight of English football included stops at Leyton Orient and Swindon Town before he got the opportunity to play in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
It was during loan spells with Belgian club Standard Liège where Alzate first met and developed a relationship with now Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila. So, when the European season was over and Alzate was looking to leave his former club Hull City, Atlanta was on his radar.
We sat down with the Colombian English midfielder to learn more about the person, the footballer and how he came to be a 5-Stripe:
Do you remember your earliest footballing memory?
[My] earliest memory is at probably about four or five years old. I played for an Arsenal soccer school.
If you weren’t a professional footballer, what would you be doing and why?
I would probably be an estate agent or something. I like property and stuff, real estate.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
I don't want to be cliché, so let me say perfume. Aftershave perfume.
How do you spend your free time away from football?
I like to go swimming sometimes. I like a bit of bowling, to play a bit of pool, bit of ping pong. All over the place.
What’s on your prematch playlist?
It depends what mood I'm in. Could be for a bit of English rap, a bit of reggaeton, bit of afrobeats. It all depends on the mood. I've got a wide variety of playlists.
Who’s your favorite UK rapper?
Dave.
Where did you grow up in London?
I was born in Camden, but I was raised in a borough called Islington. That’s my home. I grew up in Highbury, Islington and Angel, Islington. That's my home. I love my area. I've got a lot of friends and family there, and that will always be home.
What does growing up Colombian in England look like?
Nothing strange. London is a very multicultural place, people from everywhere, and there's a big Colombian community there. Growing up, I wouldn't say I had a lot of Colombian friends, but I knew a lot of Colombian people. I've got friends from all over, and I’m proud to say that I'm English and Colombian.
Who’s your idol, whether in football or real life?
Both of my parents. As a man, I'll probably choose my dad, because growing up, you want to be like your dad.
How did your dad shape your footballing career?
He had a big influence in me getting to where I am right now, taking me to my training sessions, to my matches and getting me to love the game.
What was it like representing the Colombian National Team?
That was probably one of my biggest achievements for my career. It meant so much, not [just] to me, but to my family as well. Colombia is a massive nation, and the fans are fanatic. Every time I've represented them, it's always been an honor.
Not everyone gets to say they’ve played in the English Premier League, what was that experience like?
It’s a privilege having played in the Premier League. It’s a lot of players’ dreams. I’d like to bring that experience into the team and try help them as much as I can.
One thing that really stands out when watching you play is your poise. Where does that come from?
I don't know. I feel like I've always been quite composed and very steady. I don't like to complicate the game too much. I bring a lot of quality and composure at the right times. That’s why I've signed here, to help the team in the midfield as much as I can.
Ronny Deila coached you at Standard Liège, what was his role in bringing you to Atlanta?
He was a massive factor in me coming. There was interest from the club, and obviously, when the manager really wants you as well, it helps. [In Belgium], we got on really well. I had a good season under him. [He’s a] top manager, top guy, and that's one of the key factors in me joining [Atlanta] United.
What are your first impressions of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the rest of the facilities?
Yeah, the facilities are top. I've played at the stadium before two years ago with Brighton. The training ground is lovely as well.
What’s a piece of advice you wish you would’ve gotten when you were younger?
Enjoy life at the right times and work hard when you need to.
What do you want 17s to know about you?
I want them to know that I'm going to give my all as long as I'm wearing the Atlanta United shirt. I hope to excite them, to bring some quality to the team, and I hope they can make a chant for me soon.
