The club’s latest signing discusses his impending move to the Queen City and his decision to trade European soccer for MLS
CHARLOTTE — In January, Charlotte FC added the first building block to its defense by signing Jan Sobociński from ŁKS Łódź. The precocious 21-year-old represented his native Poland at the 2019 U-20 World Cup and has made six appearances with the U21 side. In 2022, he will be a part of Charlotte FC’s inaugural roster.
Long before becoming the team’s fourth signing, the left-footed centre-back had been closely monitored by Charlotte FC’s scouting department. “We thought highly of him from the beginning,” says Scouting Director Thomas Schaling. “We see him as a talented central defender that can grow with the club, but also help us win immediately.”
Sobociński recently spoke with charlottefootballclub.com about his decision to come to Charlotte, his career so far, and his much-loved canine companion…
What convinced you to come to Charlotte and play in Major League Soccer?
I was very impressed by the vision presented to me by the club. And I am very happy about the move—not only for me, but also my family. I want to gain as much experience as possible and strive for the highest possible goals with Charlotte FC.
Did you consider playing in other leagues or countries?
MLS is a very interesting league that increasingly focuses on young players like me. As far as other leagues are concerned, I was getting some information about clubs that were interested in me, but I was definitely focused on Charlotte. The talks lasted for many months, and it was clear that Charlotte FC was the club most committed to signing me.
What kind of defender are you, and which kinds of defenders do you most admire?
I don’t like to talk too much about myself, but I think I’m a defender who likes to play aggressively and close to his opponent, without giving him too much space. I like a defender who knows how to handle the ball well.
What is the best moment of your soccer career so far?
I think I have two such moments so far. The first is my debut with ŁKS Łódź, because I scored a goal! It was a great moment and I will never forget it. The second was winning promotion to the Ekstraklasa [the Polish top flight] with ŁKS.
Did you always know you wanted to be a professional soccer player?
Yes, it has always been my dream. At the age of 17 I went to my first training session, and from then I believed that I would make my dream come true.
Have you been to the USA before?
I have never been to the United States before. This will be my first time and I’m very excited!
And are you excited to come and live in Charlotte?
Of course! Before signing the contract, I read a lot about the city and researched the living conditions and lifestyle. I am very excited to be given this opportunity and I will do my best to use it 100 percent.
I am also pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction of Charlotte FC’s fans towards me—and my dog Manto! I love to surround myself with good people and I am convinced that I will be very happy in Charlotte.
Charlotte is a great city for dog owners. Tell us about Manto!
First of all, I was delighted by the fact that it is possible to fly to the States with a dog on board as an “emotional support animal!” Manto already has a passport, so now we are training him to prepare for such a long journey.
I am glad that dogs are popular in Charlotte because Manto really loves people. He was adopted by me and my fiancée two years ago—and we have raised him to be a very smart dog. He’s a family member, so I can’t imagine not taking him with me. I think he will be delighted to live in the USA.
