It is 8.15am in Tucson and the Colorado Rapids are having breakfast. The team are two-thirds of the way through preseason. It is hard but necessary toil so, on this occasion, it is not just the usual early-morning weariness that leaves the scattering of players staring down blankly at their plates.
Despite arriving late the previous evening from Switzerland, he is spritely and smiling. The new signing goes around to each player, looks them in the eye, shakes them firmly by the hand, and introduces himself. He is earnest and sincere, yet friendly.
It is a minor moment.