SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Earthquakes are happy to introduce new signing and Sunnyvale native Marc Pelosi to the club! After spending six years away from the Bay Area, we caught up with Pelosi to discuss his return to his hometown, his playing career with Liverpool and what he hopes to accomplish with the Quakes.

sjearthquakes.com: Who is Marc Pelosi as a person and as a player?

Marc Pelosi: “Marc Pelosi is a German-American who grew up in the United States. I like to have fun with a lot of my good friends out here, but once I’m on the field, it changes. Even if you’re my good friend, when it comes to playing, I’ll do anything to win. I think that mentality has gotten me to where I am today.”

SJEQ: How does it feel to be back in your hometown playing for the local professional club?

MP: “It’s been a surreal experience. When I grew up, they didn’t have an academy team yet. They just had the senior team that I used to go watch. It’s crazy because I haven’t lived here for six years. I moved to Florida when I was 15 for residency for two years and from there, I went to England for four years. I’d be back for the holidays, but it’s good to be back full time. I’m still getting used to it again and I’m loving every minute of it.”

SJEQ: How did it feel to make your MLS debut against Vancouver Whitecaps FC this past weekend?

MP: “It was great. I was really happy to get out there. It’s a big step for me in playing for the first team. At Liverpool, I would train with the senior team, but I never played with them in a first team game. It’s always different playing on the big stage. We were losing in the Vancouver match but it’s great to be out there and help get a goal back.”

SJEQ: When fans think of you, they think of your Liverpool background. Talk about your time at Anfield and what you took away from that experience.

MP: “I wouldn’t take back my experience at Liverpool for anything even though I suffered a bad injury there. Being there showed me a lot about the game and it made me grow as a person. It was tough at the beginning because I had to get accustomed to the country and the living situation, but then I started playing, made some friends and did well on the pitch. I started playing with the reserves alongside the likes of Raheem Sterling. From there, I started training with the first team, got put into a Europa League roster and soon after I suffered the broken leg. It was hard, but I got through it and I’m just so happy to be back on the pitch.”

SJEQ: Not only have you played for the Liverpool Academy, but you’ve also had a number of stints with the U.S. youth national teams. Talk about your experience representing the red, white and blue.

MP: “I’ve pretty much represented the U.S. on all levels. It’s just been great going through the ranks and seeing different faces come and go. It’s been fun going on all of the trips and seeing different places around the world. It’s been an honor to represent my country and I hope I can continue to do so as I move forward in my career.”

SJEQ: You’ve officially signed. You’ve made your debut. What are your goals heading into the last half of the season?

MP: “I just want to get as many minutes as possible by working hard in training and making an impact in matches. I ended up doing well on my fitness test when I first got here which has helped get some minutes early on. I just want to help the team any way I can and that starts with me continuing to perform and maintaining my fitness.”