When Carl Robinson came to MLS to join Toronto FC as a player in 2007, he was a bit of a pioneer.
Ten years later, the Vancouver Whitecaps manager is struggling to imagine what life would be like had he not come to the league.
Robinson, who retired as a player in 2012 and took over as Whitecaps manager ahead of the 2014 season, told the BBC in a recent interview during Vancouver’s preseason trip to the UK that he would have never had the coaching opportunities he’s had in North America if he hadn’t moved from England to MLS in 2007.
"I wouldn't [have had the opportunity]," he said. "In MLS there are 17 or 18 ex-players out of 22 coaches. It is a great breeding ground. Going to America was the best decision I ever made.
"There was a small window of opportunity and I count myself very lucky to have made the move."
While Robinson is more than happy in Vancouver, where he’s under contract through the 2020 season after agreeing to an extension last fall, the Welshman did admit that he’d like to one day continue his career at home. He specifically mentioned the Wales national team job, saying that managing his country – for which he earned 52 caps – would be a dream.
"I wanted to play for my country and it would be an honor at any stage of my career to manage Wales," he said. "If there was a Welshman who doesn't want to manage Wales, they aren't really Welsh. It is the ultimate."
