Jumping to Europe in soccer is always a complicated process. Behind the illusion of thousands of players who hope to earn more money, have more visibility and be part of big teams, there is a person who must adapt to new cultures, sometimes languages and above all, a different way of playing this sport, something that happened to the United States international Patrick Agyemang.Agyemang, 24, made a big leap this year when he signed for Derby County, a second division team in England. After having a good spell with Charlotte in MLS, the striker dared to move to Europe and although it was an important step, in a recent interview he confessed the complications he had at the beginning of this journey.
Patrick Agyemang’s confession after signing for Derby County
Patrick Agyemang spoke in an interview with DerbyshireLive, where he explained how difficult it is to move from MLS to Europe, specifically to England, where things are very different and you have to make sacrifices to earn a place and play regularly.
“When I made my debut at Derby, it was amazing because in 2025, I played with a double hernia. It was difficult because I knew I couldn’t do things that I knew I could do. But you want to play, so you push yourself and you keep going,” explained the United States striker.
In addition, the player said that while he is living a dream, nothing has been easy. “Playing in Europe was always a dream. In my mind, I wanted to try it. I know my comfort zone, and I know that I always want to get out of it and really prove to myself that I can do it.”
“It’s been a dream, but to actually make it a reality is difficult, because you can say ‘oh, I’m going to play in Europe’, but then you know what it really takes to play in Europe
Mauricio Pochettino’s support for Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang also commented that part of the support he received to decide to go to Europe was very important, highlighting his national team coach, Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, who encouraged him to make the leap even though for some it might be strange to leave MLS to go to the second division of another country.
The American has played six games for Derby County, where he has one goal and two assists. At his previous club, MLS side Charlotte, the player recorded six goals and one assist in 16 games in 2025.
With more than half the season still to go, the striker hopes to continue contributing to stay in the national team and, why not, make the leap to the Premier League in the not too distant future.
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