FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It’s a special time in Michael Mancienne’s life, not only as he starts his career in MLS with the New England Revolution, but also as he simultaneously begins his journey as a father.
The English center back originally thought he would be making his first trip across the U.S. for a match on the West Coast last weekend. However, with good reason, the 30-year-old missed the Revs’ visit to Los Angeles FC to fly across the Atlantic in the opposite direction to welcome his first-born child, Noah Mancienne, born on September 13, 2018.
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” said Mancienne. “There’s no better feeling in the world. I never thought I’d know love like that until I saw my son. I’m just happy that everyone’s healthy. He’s healthy.
“He’s a big boy – eight pounds, four ounces. My missus is petite, as well, so I don’t know how she was carrying him, but fair play to her. She is strong. She’s a strong woman and I’m so proud of her.”
The new father was overjoyed to be present for this monumental personal moment alongside his fiancée, Libby. Mancienne traveled to England from Boston in a hectic and exciting journey, lagging five hours behind because of the time difference, and landing a day in advance of his son’s arrival.
As the couple anticipated the newest addition to their family via scheduled C-section, they went out to dinner for one last meal alone before meeting their newborn the following day.
“When he came, he was brilliant during the day,” said Mancienne. “(He) slept throughout the whole day, was so awake at nighttime, so didn’t sleep at nighttime. So literally I didn’t sleep for four days, but I didn’t mind. I loved every minute of it, just being there for her and him.”
Mancienne’s trip was both short and sweet, as he returned to train in full with the Revs on Monday of this week. The combination of travel and emotions makes it a busy time for the defender, but he wouldn’t have it any other way and feels good as he integrates back into the squad.
“I’m not going to lie to you, I struggled a little bit [on Monday], but I think I got it out of my legs and out (of) my lungs – the journey, the tiredness,” said Mancienne. “I slept good and I felt like normal [on Tuesday].”
The new father now has a little something extra to play for this Saturday as the Revs host the Chicago Fire in a critical Eastern Conference match. Mancienne will use his family as extra motivation to make the playoffs because if they do so, his family will be able to travel to the U.S. to see him play.
“Well hopefully we’ll make the playoffs, which I’m really hoping because then she’ll get to come over here,” said Mancienne. “She’s got to rest up for I think a good six weeks, so as long as she’s healthy and can come over in six weeks, I’m happy. I really want to make the playoffs.”
Mancienne will be available for Saturday’s match, with kickoff against Chicago set for 7:30 p.m.
