Issey Nakajima-Farran Interview

I had the chance to chat with Canadian International and FC Nordsjælland player, Issey Nakajima-Farran. We talk about his youth career abroad, World Cup Qualifying and Canada's hopes at this summer's Gold Cup.

Being part of the Singapore youth set up, was there ever any doubt in your mind that you would eventually play internationally for Canada?

I was never part of the Singaporean youth set up. I was part of the Japanese youth set up which got me my first pro contract with Albirex Niigata after my youth years at the giant club Tokyo Verdy. Long story how I got to Singapore but you should find my steps in my career on the net some where. There was an article in Singpore that Stephen Hart was aware of me but needed to see me playing in a higher league to consider giving me the chance so I knew I had to prove myself and move on. Japan let me down even though I had a invitational appearance for Singapore U-21s against Japan where I scored two goals and got man of the match. The Japanese coach just mentioned that there are good Japanese players every where and that he wished me all the best. So that pretty much hit the head on the Japanese passport for me. Plus most of my family live in Calgary, so playing for Canada gave my family a chance to watch my football as I've been playing abroad my whole life. A simple football game can mean so much more when your family is there supporting you. Whereas playing abroad, your playing mostly for your self. I've always been a foreigner where ever I've played because of my mixed culture but playing for Canada where every one is also a mix of another culture, I dont quite feel as much of an outsider. So I guess I feel closer to Canada than any other country.

You say you chose Canada because you felt closer to Canada than any other country. What do you think about players like Hargreaves who went to play for a different international team for footballing reasons instead of where they felt at home? Is it just a case of taking a good oppertunity, or is it really a kind of betrayal?

Well a player always has to look at your opportunities and decide the best career path. I think for me Canada was the best choice. Plus if I can be part of a country who is or was on the edge of chasing a World Cup Qualifying spot, it seemed like a great challenge. Canada has a great set of players and I think we should have gone alot further than was achieved. So I hope better luck next time and hope to play apart in it and actually achieve that spot on the world stage. To me its no betrayal. I never lived in a country long enough to call it home as I keep skipping country to country. So im actually a confused individual when it comes to where I call home, so instead I have many homes ;) and Canada is one of my main homes.

As you said Canada underachieved in the most recent World Cup Qualifying campaign. What do you think it ultimately came down to?

Yeah we underachieved. I think we should have gone a lot further but all I can say is that players got injuries at the wrong time, which set back the team quite a bit as the foundation was being built and we were confident. Things change and we failed to adapt. I hope that we will come back strong for this Gold Cup and I look forward to it!

You've played under both Hart and Mitchell, how do they match up to each other?

I think everyone has their preferences but results always speaks for themselves. We did well with Stephen in the Gold Cup so we hope to see that again.

Going into the Gold Cup what is the main objective, winning the tournament or preparing for the next World Cup Qualifying Cycle?

Winning the tournament of course, take it step at a time.

It looks like you will be called up for the Gold Cup squad. If you are chosen what is your preferred position?

Either wing, I like to mix it up.

Playing in Denmark what do you think of Denmark as an avenue for Canadian players to develop? Do you think that playing in a first division is better than playing in a stronger league in a lower division?

Playing is always the main thing players should consider. For me I prefer playing in a top division of a country, even if that's considered in a lower league compared to bigger leagues such as England or Spain etc. There's always different avenues to bigger leagues. I think Denmark is a great place to play and a great place to step up.

The win in Cyprus was Canada's first match in around six months, do you think Canada will have had enough preparation come the start of the Gold Cup?

No, as we need more games together. But players have to adapt fast so I hope we can prepare well and get some results.

Finally, what are the teams realistic expectations going into the Gold Cup?

Nothing but the win of course.

Thanks Issey!