This is the latest installment of We Are TFC. Every week, we’ll sit down with one of the Reds and help you get to know them a little bit better, on and off the field. This week, Adam Krueger chats with Chris Mannella. The captain of Toronto FC II continues to work towards making his MLS debut. We hope you’ll enjoy this series and let us know which TFC players you’d like to see profiled in the future.
Take a look at your phone, what photo means the most and why?
MANNELLA: That means the most to me? That has to be me playing against David Silva, I think that was a big moment in my life. It was an experience I was really looking forward to. Especially playing against the Manchester City guys. Looking back at it, that’s definitely one of the most special moments in my life.
Who are your heroes?
MANNELLA: Definitely my parents. My parents have done everything for me growing up as a kid. Making sure I was keeping my head straight and doing the right things. I have them to thank for pretty much everything I have. So yeah, I'd have to say them.
Favorite player past or present?
MANNELLA: Past? [Francesco] Totti. Present, Totti – it always has been and I think it always will be. He’s a legend in Rome and I’ve always looked up to him, just the way he handles himself. It’s impressive.
Favourite pastime?
MANNELLA: I spend a lot of downtime just hanging with my friends, playing FIFA (laughs) just like a normal kid you know? Just relaxing too. I love movies as well so pretty much movies and FIFA is all I do.
Go to team on FIFA 17?
MANNELLA: Right now? Manchester City. (laughs)
You said you love movies, favourite movie of all time ?
MANNELLA: That’s a tough one. I love Happy Gilmore. That’s a pretty sweet movie and I’ve watched it about 20 times. I love that movie.
When I say Toronto, what comes to mind?
MANNELLA: Living downtown I just think of the great city and how many friends I have from different cultures. That’s what comes to mind, the whole multicultural city.
Who’s the funniest guy on the team?
MANNELLA: Josh Williams. He cracks me up a little bit. Every time he talks, I’m always laughing.
How would people close to you describe you in one word?
MANNELLA: That’s a tough one. I’d hope humble. (laughs)
And how would you describe yourself?
MANNELLA: I hope people would say humble, so that’s how I’d describe myself.
Who is your favourite music artist right now?
MANNELLA: Ohhh, Drake. Hometown boy, I love Drake right now.
If you weren’t a soccer player, what would you be doing?
MANNELLA: I come from a family of teachers, my parents are both teachers and my brother and sister are both teachers so I mean.. it wouldn’t be my first choice but I’d probably end up teaching.
What would you teach ?
MANNELLA: Probably high school – the students are in the mature stage of life, and away from the younger years.
Subject?
MANNELLA: I'm not really a math person so maybe English.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions you go through before a game?
MANNELLA: I do a little bit. I always put my right shin pad on before my left and I never wear sweaters during warm up. No matter how cold, it’s just a thing of mine. I just never wear sweaters. If it’s a big game or even just a normal game, I just don’t.
What’s your ultimate life goal?
MANNELLA: To have a long career playing football and have a family and settle down. I just hope for the longest career possible and to play as long as I can.
