The Chicago Fire fire has started its engines on Monday with the start of training camp towards the 2018 season at the Toyota Park Dome in Bridgeview, Ill.

In attendance were familiar faces such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Nemanja Nikolic, as well as MLS SuperDraft first round seleccion Jon Bakero.

The Fire made a strong play to acquire the young forward from Wake Forest University, trading its 15th pick in the first round, goalkeeper Matt Lampson, and $175,000 in allocation money to Minnesota United.

“Bakero’s talent impressed us immediately after the season he had in college. We think we got a good player who has a lot of room to develop and be better,” said Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic.

“This year will be for him to learn and get the necessary experience to contribute at the highest level, but we don’t have any problem playing a young kid. Whoever is ready, will play, so it’s up to them.”

Bakero, 21, is a renowned college goal scorer who was awarded the MAC Hermann Trophy as the best college player.

During his four years at Wake Forest, Bakero scored 37 goals and dished out 26 assists in 88 games. In his senior season, he finished with 16 goals and 14 assists in 23 games.

Born in Barcelona, Bakero carries soccer and goal in his veins, being the son of legendary Spanish international Jose Mari Bakero, who participated in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, and who starred at Real Sociedad and the Barcelona “Dream Team” managed by Johan Cruyff.

This Sunday, the Fire will travel to Tampa to continue its preseason under the son, but we were able to talk with Jon Bakero about his arrival in MLS.

How do you feel in your arrival to the Chicago Fire?

I feel very excited about this opportunity, to be in a great club and trying to take each day as a new opportunity, and give it my all.

What goals have you set for yourself?

To take each day and try to improve. I am part of a group that has been playing together for a while, and that is why I am taking it day by day and see where I go.

Do you see a big jump, going from college to MLS?

Obviously, these are playing on a high level, so these first days I am trying to adapt, show the kind of player I am, and the type of personality I have on the pitch.

How much does carrying an illustrious last name weigh on you?

I am very proud of my last name, but I am Jon Bakero, period. I do not think, as a player, I look like my father, so I have come to the United States to start from scratch and show who I am as a person and as a player.

You don’t look like your father, him being a forward as well?

We are different. He was one of the best players in the history of Spain, and I still have a lot to prove, but also a desire to do so.

Is there pressure being the fifth draft pick?

It motivates me that the club bet on me. Chicago is a club that finished last season very well, and this year we want to contend for every title. I am very excited to be here.

What has you family told you about coming to the Chicago Fire?

They are all very happy. I am coming to club where I can contribute, with a manager who has played in Spain, who knows European soccer, and I can learn a lot from him.

How would you describe yourself as a player?

I am a technical player who can play as a striker, a second striker, score goals, assist, and God willing help this team win game and championships, but I will play where the coach needs me.

What does it mean for you to play up top with Nikolic?

I want to learn as much as I can from him. He was the MLS Golden Boot winner last season, he is a fantastic player and, for a young player like me, what I want to absorb as much as I can.

Do you want to play in Europe in the future?

For me, this opportunity is important. MLS and American soccer have given me this opportunity, and I am taking it day by day, game by game, and God will provide if something comes, but all my work and effort is centered around the Fire.