2022 Hall of Famer Patrice Bernier recalls first meeting with Alphonso Davies (EN/FR)
Do Alphonso Davies and co. owe Patrice Bernier's generation a touch of gratitude?
Perhaps, as Bernier recalls the work he and his teammates Julian de Guzman, Ali Gerba, and Dwayne De Rosario put in to gain respect for Canada on the international stage.
Bernier, the 56-times capped former Canada men's national team international and Montreal Impact legend, recalled fondly some of the highlights of his own career as he is inducted in the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame, Class of 2022.
Speaking to reporters on Zoom, Bernier touched on the many missing rungs of the ladder he and his cohorts had to leap over in order to reach the pro game, as well as how proud he was to get to know a young Davies en route to the new rise of the national team of today.
"For me, I'm sad I wasn't able to live it, but I'm happy I was part of the transition to this new age. When I finished in 2017 ... being captain, being there with Alphonso Davies and being roommates, and seeing what this guy could be, could go somewhere. Now, looking at him play, and Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, guys are moving on and putting the stamp of respect on Canadian soccer talent, and being first in the group? Nobody expected this!
"It's fantastic to see the mindset, and putting Canada on the world scene. Now we're 33rd in the world, and people are paying attention to Canadian talent. It's not, you need to have another passport or squeeze your way through in Europe; now people are looking at who's the next talent in Canada who can come help us here in Europe? That, I'm proud to see.
"From all the guys who played (before), every time we went there, we went to represent and say, 'I'm from Canada, and I can play soccer. I don't play hockey. I play soccer.' Now, people are paying attention. It's beautiful to see."
English version above, French version, here:
Patrice Bernier, @CS_HallofFame inductee, recalls his favourite memories with the #CanMNT and #CFMTL
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) March 1, 2022
[en français] 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/GVzXREGmKk
