Prior to the announcement that Darwin Quintero would be joining him in Atlanta, we spoke to Francisco Calvo about what being selected as Minnesota United’s first All-Star means to him and he wants to get out of the chance to represent the team as the MLS All-Stars face off against Italian juggernaut Juventus on Wednesday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m. CT.
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What does it mean to represent MNUFC at the All-Star Game?

It means a lot. I am the first guy they picked from the club, so it is an honor to be there. I just want to represent the team well and represent myself well if I get the chance to play. I want to enjoy the moment and try to do my best because I am pretty sure Tata and all of the guys over there want to get the win.

Is there any special significance to getting the nod from a coach as well-respected as Tata Martino?

He is Tata. He knows a lot about football. If he selected me, it is because he sees something special in me. I am just grateful to him because he gave me that opportunity.

Given that the game is an exhibition, do you think you might have a bit more of a chance to get forward and make something happen with the ball?

Trust me, if I have the chance to cut one ball and look for it, I am going to do the things that I always try to do in my career and with my clubs. I just want to enjoy the moment. If I have the opportunity to score it could be awesome.

If Darwin gets the chance to join you in Atlanta, what would it mean to have a teammate along with you for this experience?

That could be fantastic. Darwin deserves it. He has been really important for us. He has scored a lot of goals for us. If they call him to All-Star, it is well-deserved.