Anderlecht signing Sacha Kljestan was introduced at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium today, Thursday 17th June 2010. The 24-year-old international, who has signed a four-year contract, is the first American player ever to wear the purple and white shirt.

“In November 2008 Philippe Collin and myself headed for Los Angeles to watch Sacha play, on recommendation of former agent Serge Trimpont”, Herman Van Holsbeeck said during the press conference. “During Chivas-Salt Lake City, a semifinal match in the Major League Soccer play-offs, we were immediately convinced of his capacities. So, by way of an offer of 2,5 million Euros, we did everything within our power to get him to come to Brussels. In the United States, however, players are not only owned by the clubs, but also by the organisation. And the MLS did not allow Sacha to leave for Europe. An offer of 3 million by Celtic was also rejected that way. After that, we kept on following him and, when his contract had almost come to an end, we took our chance.”

“I have always been enthusiastic as far as Anderlecht is concerned and I also kept on following the club myself”, Kljestan said. “When I learned that I could leave for Anderlecht, I didn’t have to think about it. I am glad that I am in Belgium now and not in Scotland. Everything happens for a reason and I know that I’m supposed to be here. Although Anderlecht is a very professional club, I already feel like part of the family.”

Kljestan is a midfielder who can play almost anywhere. “I especially like playing in the middle of the field, but I can also play on the left wing, on the right wing or as a playmaker. I realize that there is a lot of competition on the Anderlecht midfield, but I will do everything I can to deserve my spot in the team. I run a lot, get into the box often, do quite some defensive work and always give it everything I got for the whole 90 minutes.”

Being an international, it’s an advantage for the Californian to play in Europe. “European football is technically and especially tactically better than in America. Now that I am part of a great club like Anderlecht, I hope I will be able to fulfil my dream: to play for my country in the 2014 World Cup. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to South-Africa, but that doesn’t mean that I am not cheering my national team on.”

Kljestan, whose childhood example was Zinédine Zidane, is looking forward to play in Europe with Sporting. “When I was a little boy I already loved the Champions League. I now hope to continue RSCA’s successes in last year’s Europa League.”

The midfielder will wear the number 19 shirt at Anderlecht. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. They have always told me that it’s the player who makes the number and not the other way around”, Kljestan laughed.