NEW YORK – It’s been just four months since Antonio Delamea left his native Slovenia to embark upon a new challenge with the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer, but that decision is already paying dividends for the 25-year-old center back.
Delamea, who has been a revelation while playing every minute of the Revolution’s first 13 games, has continued to catch the eye of Slovenia national team head coach Srečko Katanec, and will soon join the full national squad for a World Cup Qualifier against Malta on June 10.
It’s a second call-up for Delamea, who made his senior debut with Slovenia in a friendly against Poland last November, when he was also in the squad for another World Cup Qualifier against Malta.
“I’m very happy and proud,” Delamea said on Tuesday, as the Revs prepare for Wednesday night’s visit to New York City FC. “It’s always nice to be in this group. Those guys all play in top divisions and it’s a great honor for me to be a part of that team, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Delamea plays in a top division, as well, and he’s convinced that his decision to challenge himself Stateside has provided a platform to impress the Slovenia national team staff.
“Of course it will benefit me (playing in MLS),” Delamea said. “MLS is a few steps in front of our league in Slovenia; that was one of the reasons I chose to be here. It looks like the manager was satisfied with me and I really appreciate that I’m with the (national) team.”
For now, Delamea’s focus is on New England’s busy week, as they’ll follow up Wednesday night’s visit to NYCFC with a home game against MLS-leading Toronto FC on Saturday night. He’ll depart to meet up with Slovenia on Sunday, and return before the Revs’ next league game on June 17.
And should Delamea continue to perform at his current level on the domestic stage, he’ll undoubtedly continue to find himself in Slovenia’s national team setup moving forward.
“I’m a guy who always tries to reach his limit, tries to raise his level,” Delamea said. “I think MLS is a great opportunity for every player to reach their dreams.”
