June 13, 2008
THEY DON'T BLAME HIM
Ex-Bulls mates say Jozy needs to grow

Montclair, N.J. -- Jozy Altidore's former Red Bulls teammates don't begrudge the 18-year-old striker's decision to take the big money and run to play with Villarreal in the Spanish First Division.

They felt Altidore needed to take his talent to another level and La Liga looked like the right place to do that.

"I always loved to play with Jozy," Red Bulls forward Mike Magee said. "He's a great player. He's an incredible talent. I'm not going to say that the MLS is bad or holding him back. It's getting better and better. Jozy's definitely a different class player and he's got a lot of room to grow. And over there, he can be challenged a little more on a day in day out basis."

Defender Jeff Parke said he was happy for Altidore, who transferred to Villarreal for an American soccer record $10 million.

"I think it's great," he said. "I'm happy for him that he's taking the next step in his career. You've got to look at it as a business. You've got to make money when you can.

"This is also an opportunity for him to develop as a younger kid, take in the atmosphere and see what it's like in Europe. It's a higher level of game. There's a lot of money involved, a lot our fans involved. I wish him all the best and hope to hear and read good things about him. Everything I see is good coming out of it. It's a shame that he has to leave in mid-season."

Forward John Wolyniec admitted he had mixed emotions about Altidore's departure.

"I've had the pleasure of playing with Jozy for a couple of years now," he said. "He's a good guy. I enjoyed his presence. I enjoyed watching him play. Obviously as a competitive guy, I want to win and I want Jozy on my team. But at the same time, I know he has a great opportunity ahead of him. He's going to do good things. I'll continue to watch him from afar and hopefully he does well. I know he will."