OBETZ, Ohio – As the saga between Kei Kamara and Columbus Crew SC unfolded since Saturday’s on-field spat with Federico Higuain, the verbose striker has spent plenty of time in the spotlight. But the Argentine playmaker has declined to make the issue public.
Higuain finally spoke at Crew SC training Thursday after news had broken that Kamara had been traded to the New England Revolution.
While the assembled media were focused on the incident, Higuain said the Kamara situation was “not my problem,” and refused to offer critical remarks of his former teammate.
“I have nothing to say about it,” he said. “My only worry right now is that Columbus Crew is not in the playoffs. On my mind is trying to win games with this team [to get] where I believe we have to be.”
Higuain said he didn’t know how the trade would affect the locker room, and didn’t seem interested in guessing. He’ll leave that task to Head Coach Gregg Berhalter.
“I want the best for this team, that’s it,” he said. “I’m a soccer player.”
Despite the week’s controversy, Higuain said he still “loves” the team’s offense. He said “it’s always about the team,” and has faith that Crew SC will come back from the scuffle.
“I believe we are a good team,” he said. “You saw last night, when this team played against Veracruz [in a friendly], a team from Mexico, we did a very good job.
“No matter who plays, this team, this club, we defend our style of playing soccer. The idea has to be defended by strong people. I believe we’re strong people.”
Higuain described the situation as “a bad moment for me,” but didn’t feel it was his place to judge whether the trade made Crew SC better.
“I don’t know,” he said. “Again, it doesn’t matter who plays. The idea [matters]. We want to play like our coach wants. We have to do it.”
When Higuain was inevitably asked why he didn’t let Kamara take the penalty kick Saturday, he couldn’t help but break his stoic demeanor. He chuckled and shook his head.
“I have nothing to say,” he said. “Sorry."
