Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

January 29, 2015 Twitter

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VANCOUVER, B.C. - It's a new year and a new season for Vancouver Whitecaps captain, Pedro Morales. The Chilean playmaker burst onto the MLS scene last season and added just the type of offensive spark the Whitecaps were looking for. Now entering his second MLS season, Pedro talks exclusively to Red Nation Online about his health and overall fitness as he and the Caps prepare for the 2015 campaign. "I feel good, I feel good, it's a long time not training, but I enjoyed a holiday in Chile. I had preparations in Chile before coming here. Four weeks ago I'm training with my coach in Chile and now I feel good. I feel happy to come back to train here. I enjoy my teammates, the coach and the city. I can't wait for the moment for the start of the season." Towards the end of last season it appeared that Morales wasn't quite one hundred percent. Not wanting to sit out a match, Pedro battled through hamstring, and back injuries. During his time in La Liga with Malaga CF, Morales estimates he had one-month and a half away from soccer. Prior to that, with Dinamo Zagreb Morales reckons he had about three weeks off. During the recent MLS offseason Morales enjoyed some much-needed family time and the chance to unplug from soccer. "This year it's different, maybe two-and-a half months. It's good maybe sometimes you need a rest and (to) forget soccer. Now I'm ready, my teammates are ready for the start of the season (and) the first game with Toronto at BC Place." The 2014 MLS Newcomer of the Year Award recipient was placed on an offseason program by Whitecaps FC strength and conditioning coach, Jon Poli. Each Whitecaps player is given a specific offseason program designed to best help them stay fit and strong during the winter months. Morales talked about what exactly he did to keep his form and tip-top condition. "A little soccer with my friends, running, training in the gym, training with my exercises for my back. I just looked at the program with Poli. Now things are feeling good. I need more and more training, it's normal you need more training for the start of the season." After leading the Whitecaps with 10 goals and 12 assists last season, Pedro is happy with the new additions the Whitecaps organization have made for this season. Uruguayan striker, Octavio Rivero has already caught the skippers eye. Rivero and Morales could form a fantastic duo once they get a chance to form some chemistry during the Whitecaps preseason matches. "I think we have a very good team now. Octavio is a young player, but has good experience, and too many goals in Chile. Kah, I think he is good on defense, a strong player, and a good personality for the team. (His) attitude is good for working and Diego (Rodriguez) the same. I think it's a good team." As for personal goals, the 29 year-old wants to keep improving his game. Every outstanding player wants to keep showing that they're among the best at what they do. Morales was surprised by all the award nominations he received last year. This year he hopes the team can go one step up. "I'm working hard and much better than last year. Last year was very good for me, so many awards and nominations, and the team helped me everyday for the work. I'm working hard for the team, for the club. I feel good now, and maybe feel better when we start the season." Morales is Mr. Everything for the Whitecaps. He is tasked with scoring goals, finding his teammates with dazzling passes, assists and a strong work rate. Pedro Morales has become the face of the franchise since Jay DeMerit retired. The pressure doesn't bother him, he is extremely proud and comfortable as the Vancouver Whitecaps team captain. "Yeah, I feel happy for this nomination. It's good work for when you have pressure, it makes you a more stronger player. I'm working hard this year for the team, for my teammates and I'm happy to come back to Vancouver now." Major League Soccer has seen an influx of big name players make the eventual transition from European clubs over to MLS. Star players like Kaka, Gerrard, Lampard, David Villa, Jozy Altidore, and Sebastian Giovinco are all expected to arrive and make their MLS débuts sometime in 2015. Morales thinks this great for MLS. "Yes, it's very good for the league. Maybe in two-years more the league will be more important. The best now is England and Spain. The MLS, they need more time for players, maybe now it's coming. Giovinco, Gerrard, and now MLS is more big." The Whitecaps will need a healthy Pedro Morales to lead the way this season. Thus far all signs point to the Whitecaps leading scorer being fit, happy, and on schedule for the first match of the season against Toronto FC on March 7.