Q&A with Quakes forward Arturo Alvarez
SJEarthquakes.com: What have you been doing during the off -season?
Arturo Alvarez: So far I have just been relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Once in a while I try to go to the gym but that's about it. Hopefully in December I will go on a trip.
SJEarthquakes.com: What's your favorite place to visit during the off-season?
AA: Obviously Houston, I have been away from home since I was 17 so it is always great to come back home and see old faces. Like I said before, this year I want to do something different so I want to take a trip somewhere I haven't been before.
SJEarthquakes.com: You've visited so many cities around the world. Out of all of them which one is your favorite city?
AA: I have been to a lot of places, I went to Portugal with the U-20 long time ago and we went to this island called Madeira; that was really, really nice. We stayed at a hotel right next to the beach, it was great. I also visited London two years ago, and it was very nice there.
SJEarthquakes.com: What's the most amazing stadium you have been to?
AA: Stamford Bridge in London, where Chelsea plays. The stadium was great, it wasn't too big or too small, it was the perfect size; you had a great view of the field from anywhere in the stands. The fans were very loud and it was a great atmosphere.
SJEarthquakes.com: If you weren't a soccer player what would you be doing?
AA: I would be an architect. When I was little I always wanted to be an architect, I was always drawing.
SJEarthquakes.com: What did you do with your first paycheck?
AA: I opened a bank account.
SJEarthquakes.com: What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
AA: I am going to spend it in Houston with the family- including cousins, uncles, aunts, etc.
SJEarthquakes.com: Do you cook that day or help cooking?
AA: No.
SJEarthquakes.com: What is your best Thanksgiving memory?
AA: I feel like every Thanksgiving is special.
SJEarthquakes.com: What are you thankful for?
AA: I am thankful for many things, having a good healthy family, my soccer career, my health, my friends, and the people that I know.
SJEarthquakes.com: What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
AA: Stuffing.
SJEarthquakes.com: Growing up with Salvadoran parents was Thanksgiving any different than being with an American family?
AA: Not really, I think it's very similar. We all spend it together and are thankful for everything that we have.
SJEarthquakes.com: Do you have Salvadoran food that day?
AA: Yes, and lots of it. Panes rellenos are my favorite. We also have platanos fritos, beans, etc.
SJEarthquakes.com: Obviously as a soccer player you have to keep in shape. Do you watch what you eat that day or do you indulge in everything?
AA: No, I eat everything that day! You have to make an exception sometimes.
SJEarthquakes.com: Anything else you want to add...
AA: Just to thank all of the Earthquakes fans for their support this season being back with San Jose. Hopefully next year will be a great one!
