Talk to Damien Perquis for a few minutes and he will make you laugh. The team's resident comedian might also start singing.
“You’ll have to ask my teammates what I do the best,” he said with a grin following training in Orlando on Friday. “I like to sing. It’s my particular hobby in my life. I like going to concerts. I saw Usher and Gwen Stefani during All-Star Weekend in Toronto. I’m listening to a lot of R&B, it’s what I prefer to sing when I’m in the shower.”
Toronto FC’s resident recording star is back for his second year with the Reds and is much more comfortable now than he was last season when Perquis made the move from Spain to Canada.
“I feel more at home for sure.” said Perquis. “Last year there was a lot to discover as well as the language. It was a little bit difficult for me. This year I feel good. When I arrived back in Toronto in January I was very happy and very fit.”
Talk to Perquis for longer than a few minutes and you’ll understand how much his family means to him. The husband and father of two battled homesickness in 2015, spending an extended period of time away from his family and friends.
“I’m very close with my family, my parents, my sister and my friends," said Perquis. "It was difficult because I didn’t go back home during the season and I missed everyone a lot.”
In stepped Benoit Cheyrou. Perquis and the veteran midfielder connected instantly through language.
“Ben was like my brother and a big friend during that time and his help was very important to me,” said the 31-year-old. “He’s helped me a lot in Toronto. We are together all the time. He’s one of the best guys I’ve met on and off the field during my career.”
Perquis and Drew Moor have been paired together throughout training camp and the preseason and appear to be the centre-back tandem to beat for opening day in Harrison against the Red Bulls.
“Drew’s a mature guy He has a lot of experience and he’s very smart,” said Perquis. “He has a good understanding of the game and he speaks a lot, which is what we were missing last year. He’s been a good addition to the team.”
Their relationship will be one of the keys for TFC going forward.
“We were working very hard in Los Angeles and we’re continuing to do the same in Orlando,” Perquis continued. “We are growing up a little bit training after training and game after game.”
As for Perquis’ goals for 2016, they're not dissimilar from what the rest of his teammates have said in February. The window to contend is open and the time is now for the Reds.
“Last year Portland showed that any team can win in this league,” he said. “We have to be stronger than last year defensively and when we have the ball I think we can be very dangerous. So my goal, and I think the goal of every guy here is going far in the league and winning the Canadian Championship.”
Join MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco and the rest of Toronto FC at BMO Field this season. 2016 Toronto FC Season Seats are on sale from $608 and up. In addition to Toronto FC Season Tickets, the Reds are currently on sale with TFC II Season Seats at $75.00 for TFC Season Seat Holders & $120.00 for non-TFC season seat holders. For More information head to TorontoFC.ca/tickets
