Soccer superstar finds anonymity in Chicago a kick

What happens when a Mexican soccer superstar moves to Chicago and, for the first time in more than a decade, finds himself living in relative anonymity?

He can take a breather.

"I am calmer here. I am more relaxed," Chicago Fire forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco said in Spanish. "I go to the store and nobody recognizes me, unless they are Mexican."

Blanco is anything but anonymous back home in Mexico. The Mexico City native is a household name in a country where soccer reigns king. Despite being known for temperamental outbursts on the field, he is beloved by fans, who staged a nine-mile protest rally when he was left out of the 2006 World Cup team.

Blanco, 34, signed a $2.5 million-per-year contract with the Fire in April, the latest chapter in a 17-year career that includes a Mexican league title, four Mexican league MVP awards and two World Cup appearances.

"He is an idol to the people," said Ramon Zamayoa, of Burbank, who often rides his bicycle to Toyota Park in Bridgeview to watch Blanco practice with the team.

When Blanco was publicly introduced in April, more than 5,000 fans from Chicago and the suburbs showed up at the soccer stadium with less than 24 hours notice.

Among them was 18-year-old Gyl Ponce, of Indian Head Park, who recently scored a photo with the superstar after practice.

"I saw him from 30 feet last time, but this time I was 2 feet away. It was great," said Ponce, who came with his grandfather, two younger sisters and a friend. "I grew up watching him play."

In the United States, much has been made of Blanco's arrival to Major League Soccer coinciding with that of another superstar, British midfielder David Beckham, who signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy in January.

The two teams will match up at Toyota Park on Sunday in a game that could determine whether the Fire will clinch a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. Blanco has logged four goals and six assists in 12 league games.

Asked if he was disappointed that an injured Beckham will likely not take the field on Sunday, Blanco answered prickly: "You people make too much of this. It's about the team, not about one player."

Often curt with the media, Blanco is usually gracious with fans.

Earlier this month, his presence caused a minor commotion at a concert by Mexican rock band Maná at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. He calmly obliged as people swarmed around him snapping photos with their cell phones.

"One has to be nice to people, but sometimes I need space," he said.

Blanco grew up kicking the ball in the streets of Mexico City with his five brothers. He made his professional debut at age 17 with Club America, for whom he has played most of his career.

Signing on with the Fire and moving to Chicago was a big decision, he said. "I didn't talk about it with my family, I just thought about it for a few days," he said.

Blanco said he has been surprised by the quality of U.S. soccer, which is more physical than he expected. "Soccer will be more popular here in three or four years," he said.

He doesn't miss Mexico, he said, but misses his friends and family, especially his nephews. He also has a girlfriend back home, reportedly Mexican TV actress Rossana Najera, and flies to Mexico City whenever he has two consecutive days off.

Chicago Fire forward and Costa Rica native Paulo Wanchope, who rooms with Blanco on the road, describes him as a nice guy with a good sense of humor.

"Maybe he doesn't joke with the media, but he does it around the players," Wanchope said. "He also has a good work ethic. He is 34 and comes from a lot of experience, so it's good for the youngsters."

Already familiar with Chicago from past travels, Blanco bought a downtown condo with a view of Lake Michigan. The lake, he said, is the best thing about the city.

He spends most of his free time relaxing and watching TV. He also takes English lessons from a tutor who goes to his home three times a week.

When asked if he likes to cook, he replied with a smile that make his eyes crinkle: "No, not at all," he says. "I like to eat out."

So far he has made one good friend, a restaurant owner who emigrated from Mexico about 30 years ago, he said. A mutual friend from Mexico introduced them. "He has helped me a lot, he's a good person," he said.

Blanco's life was much more social back home, where he was surrounded by friends and family, but he insists that he is content in Chicago. "I don't feel alone," he said.

He seems to mean it.

And if he doesn't, he wouldn't let anyone but those close to him know.