Orange Talk - Boniek Garcia (English transcript)

Yesterday we got a chance to speak to Houston Dynamo legend Boniek Garcia. If you would like to hear the interview, in Spanish, the audio is available on our podcast feed. Below is the interview, translated into English.

Rudy: HOUSTON! Welcome to a new segment of Bayou City Soccer. My name is Rudy Segura (RS) and today we have a special episode for all of you since we are being accompanied by Oscar Boniek García (BG).

Boniek, thank you so much for being here with us.

BG: Thank you very much for the invitation.

RS: Well, Boni, after a career of almost 20 years of being a professional soccer player, the time has come to hang up the boots. This isn’t to bring in sadness but to celebrate a great career and we want people listening to have the same smile that you have always carried.

RS: Looking back, way back, was this great run something that young Boniek Garcia would have ever imagined? I don't know if you could describe that childhood a bit before you became a professional soccer player?

BG: No, in all reality since I was 7 years old, I dreamed of playing soccer professionally. I would look up to the Honduran national team, seeing the players give it all with the national team, and I would imagine being like them and believing that some day I would be there playing professionally and be part of the national team. Thanks to God, I was able to do so and have a long career.

RS: Not many players can boast of being able to return and retire with their first ever team. Boniek, would it be that fair to say that being able to win the 2022 Concacaf League with Olimpia made the ultimate decision to retire easier?

BG: It did. When you already have the decision planned out, everything becomes much easier. You are relaxed, you feel good. And I think having decidingthat at the end of the season, I would retire, I was much much easier to in fact say, “That’s it and no more.”

RS: Much of your career was spent playing for the Houston Dynamo, and the club will be celebrating your retirement this Saturday before the game against Sporting Kansas City. What does it mean to you to be honored by the club as one of its legends?

BG: I feel very grateful. Because that means that the work that I did here for the club was noticed. And being able to be celebrated on Saturday for the 10 years that I was here, remembering all the defeats, all the victories, it goes way beyond the work we were able to do, and I am grateful for the way the club has treated me and continue to treat me now that I am retired.

RS: Speaking of Sporting Kansas City, at one point in time it was one of the most intense rivalries for Houston. What memories do you have of clashing against Peter Vermes’ team?

BG: I have so many memories. I remember that in my first season with the Dynamo, I remember that we played against them 6 times. It was crazy the numberof series that we had against them. I would say “are we just playing against Kansas City?” But that same year we played them in the Conference Finals and playing them so often created intense rivalry between us. They were a really good team, who have always done things the right way, winning important titles. And I think that the match on Saturday will be a very good match.

RS: With the Dynamo you quickly became a fan favorite. Where they saw you play all kinds of positions on the field. Well expect goalkeeper. But there is still time Boni, Buffon at 45 years old is still going strong. But what does it say about a player like you having such versatility on the field of play and what position did you enjoyed playing the most?

BG: As a player, you must be prepared for any circumstances. Fortunately, I could play different roles. I thank God for that. However, in my last season with the Dynamo, when I was asked to play center back, I would have never imagined that I would play that position, so I started to ask for advice from others, and luckily I was able to play that role well during the few games that I was set there. But the position that I enjoyed the most, and I continue to enjoy, is playing as a central midfielder.

RS: I know there will be many, but what are some of your most memorable moments during your time with the Houston Dynamo?

BG: My first goal. I will always remember the first goal. Scoring here, with the home fans. It was very important for me. Another very remarkable moment for me was when I scored a brace against Chivas USA before my twins were born. And another memorable moment was scoring against DC during a Conference Final that is something I would always cherish.

RS: Being part of the Houston Dynamo you were able to play a second World Cup in 2014, representing Honduras. Here in Houston, there is a lot of support from Los Catrachos. Could you describe that beautiful experience of representing your nation, especially in a World Cup?

BG: I think representing one’s country in a World Cup is the biggest experience that a player could ever have as a professional soccer player. For me, it’s like graduating and receiving a diploma. When you make squad and be able to sing your national anthem at the World Cup and knowing that the entire world is watching you during that match. It’s emotional andexciting for a player to be part of that experience.

RS: You mentioned them already. But not only in Houston, but throughout the league, I think we have seen your children grow up, especially the famous “Boniek Twins”, how exciting is it for you to see yourtwins playing soccer and want to follow in your footsteps?

BG: It is very exciting. My wife and I are there to support them and give them the resources so that they can continue to grow and believe in themselves in the wishes that they might have. Obviously, they currently wish to become professional soccer players and we will be here for them.

RS: And who is better? I am kidding you don’t have to answer that question.

BG: Both of them, both of them.

RS: What's next for Oscar Boniek Garcia. Maybe continue to be part of soccer as a coach? Or a more relaxing change and finally running for President?What is next, Boni?

BG: That’s the idea, to be a part of soccer. It is going to be difficult for me to walk away because it’s my identity. We have started an indoor academy called Houston Futsala Association, where my kids play. We also have a foundation, Fundación Boniek, which helps kids work on their soccer and anything they might need in life, really.

RS: Well Boni, any words you have for the Houston Dynamo fans?

BG: I just want to thank them. I am so grateful for all the love and support that they showed me during my 10 years with the club. During the good times and the bad times, giving the team and myself your support. I am forever and eternally grateful for you guys.

RS: Thank you so much again Boniek for being here today with Bayou City Soccer. We wish you all the best in this new phase, new adventure. And the day you want to come back and talk again, we are here!

BG: Thank you and I would love to, just say when.