FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas announced today the signing of midfielder Daniel Cruz, a Colombian who spent the majority of his professional career with Germinal Beerschot in the Belgian Pro League, where he captained his side to a 2005 Belgian Cup title. The 30-year-old midfielder made more than 150 appearances in league play for Germinal Beerschot, tallying 12 goals.

READ: FC Dallas signs midfielder Daniel Cruz

FCDallas.com sat down with Cruz on his first day at Pizza Hut Park.

FCDallas.com: You’ve played much of your career in Belgium for Germinal Beerschot; why have you chosen to make MLS your next stop? How hard was it to leave Belgium?

Daniel Cruz: I needed a new experience in my life in another country. It was hard to leave Belgium but it was my family and I who decided this. MLS is an organization that is fully developing now and I really want to be a part of it; and of course, I have a son and I can’t think of a better place to raise my son.



FCDallas.com: You trialed with the Houston Dynamo in early July; what were your initial impressions of MLS?

Cruz: My impression with MLS is that it is a very well organized league that is growing step by step. I’m sure in the future it will be one of the best competitions. Also, the level is good.



FCDallas.com: What interested you in FC Dallas? Did you have any prior knowledge of the team?

Cruz: I knew about FC Dallas and I knew also there were four Colombian players. Also, I knew Oscar Pareja was there and had played many years there.



FCDallas.com: You grew up in Colombia; do you have any connections to FC Dallas’ other players from the country? Have you played with or against any of them?

Cruz: I didn’t play against any of them because I left my house when I had just turned 17 to join Ajax. I stayed in Europe my whole career until last season.



FCDallas.com: You’ve mentioned your wife and son as considerations for your move to the States; will they be joining you in Dallas?

Cruz: Of course they will move with me. I just have to get settled down and then they will arrive. I need my family close to me.



FCDallas.com: What do you hope to bring to FC Dallas?

Cruz: I hope to bring FC Dallas championships.



FCDallas.com: How would you describe your style of play?

Cruz: I really don’t like to talk about myself. I think in soccer you have to let your feet speak, not your mouth.



FCDallas.com: What are your goals for this season with FC Dallas?

Cruz: That is easy – to be MLS champions.



FCDallas.com: If you could send a message to FC Dallas fans, what would it be?

Cruz: I just want to tell them that I am really happy to be in this team. You will get a super motivated player, and I will work hard and do my best to help bring this team to success.