Danny Szetela Back Where His 'Heart Is' With The Cosmos

Photo credit: New York Cosmos

Danny Szetela is back with the New York Cosmos and, if he has his way, that’s where he eventually end his career.

“I just want to be here,” Sztela said. “I’m a Jersey boy. I’ve been with the Cosmos the last three and a half years. I feel happy here. I feel like this is where my heart is. I want to continue my career here and finish my career – I want to retire here.”

During his time with the Cosmos, Szetela, 29, has been a part of three championship sides, after nearly losing his career to a knee injury.

The midfield for the Cosmos will have plenty of depth in addition to Szetela with the signings of Juan Guerra, Richard Menjivar, and Javi Márquez. Andrés Flores has also returned to the team.

In seasons past, Szetela played alongside the likes of Marcos Senna and Juan Arango. Now, he will need to be even more of a leader in the middle of the field.

“We had guys that not only lead by their voices but by example – getting stuck into tackles, working hard,” he said. “That’s something I’ve been doing my whole career and I’m looking forward to another year to leading some of these guys, especially the younger guys, and helping the team grow and succeed, and hopefully win another championship.”

With the Cosmos going for a third straight title – and a fourth in five years – Szetela doesn’t believe the side needs to change much heading into the 2017 season under coach Giovanni Savarese.

“I think we need to keep doing what we’re doing,” he said. “Gio is doing a good job and the leadership from [Carlos] Mendes down to the youngest guy. Guys listen and they come to work.

“We’re a family and we’ve been like that since day one. As long as we stay positive, keep working hard, and pushing each other, we can, hopefully, win another championship.”

With several new players in the team, including former Juventus forward Amauri, the Cosmos will also have a new home in the upcoming season – MCU Park in Coney Island. It’s an opportunity Szetela is relishing.

“Being in Brooklyn – in Coney Island - is awesome, especially in the summertime. One game I’m looking forward for is the Fourth of July game. I always watch the hot dog eating contest, so maybe I’ll come in early to watch it live.

“There’s a big Polish community in Brooklyn, I have family in Brooklyn, so I’m excited about that.”