VfL signed American youngster Kevin Paredes from top-flight US outfit DC United back in January 2022. Having settled in to his new surroundings, the 1.75-metre left-sided player has been enjoying more and more game time of late. In an interview before Saturday’s trip to Stuttgart, Paredes spoke about life in Wolfsburg, his preferred position and the game against VfB.
How are you finding life so far away from home? How hard was it to move such a long way away?
Kevin Paredes: “It really was very difficult at first. I’d only just turned 18 and was living in the USA with my parents. Going out into the world for the first time at 18 was definitely difficult for the first few months, but as time went on it became clear that my fears were unfounded. I left home for good reason, after all. That knowledge continues to spur me on and motivate me to this day. Every day, I show my parents and my whole family that I’m getting on fine without them here.”
How often are you in touch with your family?
Kevin: “All the time! My parents have just been here for two weeks, which was really nice.”
Which team-mates have you found particularly supportive?
Kevin: “The whole team is great and very supportive, but Micky van de Ven – another youngster – and Maxence Lacroix have supported me the most.”