Houston, United States.
Staying on the team for a long time is not easy. For Óscar Boniek García, this will be his tenth season with Houston Dynamo. Behind this success is his discipline and family, a key pillar for the Honduran midfielder.
MI FINDE talked to the 36-year-old footballer, who told us about his short and medium term plans for his career. The World Cup with Honduras in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 is already starting to prepare its new generation in football. His twins, Jarden and José, have inherited their father’s talents, and Boniek himself polishes them from an early age.
I also met the other side of Boniek, a loving and house-loving father.
This will be the 10th season in MLS, what does that mean for you?
Thank God I had the opportunity to continue in the team, I am very happy that they opened my doors. We are already in the preseason and we focus on everything that comes our way.
What was the key to staying abroad so long?
First of all, I would say that discipline, in maintaining the physical good, to be with the family, the breaks that are vital not to lose shape. Finally, each of the actions you take is essential to always play at the best level.
For Boniek, what is Houston Dynamo?
It means a lot, it’s my home, 10 years have passed here, the club that gave me the opportunity to go abroad. I owe them a lot, I’m happy with everything I’ve accomplished.
Could this be the last season in MLS?
Well, the idea is to keep playing, go year after year. I hope to play a lot, the team has hired good players, there is good competition, but I will continue to work to win the starting position. Age does not weigh me to play, here is Maynor Figueroa with 37, in Honduras Javier Portillo, I think that as long as I continue to be careful, there is Boniek for a while. There will be a time when your body won’t tell you, but we’re fine for now.
Being an authorized voice, at what level is American football?
It’s a league that has grown, here you play for yourself as they say. Not only do they bring in great players, they evolve in everything, in infrastructure, I think MLS is trying to fight the Mexican League. Before, veteran players came, now this league exports players to Europe. I give you the case of Alberth Elis, who left Houston for Boavista.
In what direction is MLS going in a few years?
To become the best league in the world, this is the path that managers are pursuing, they will have the World Cup in 2026, no doubt trying to compete at the highest level.
Did you have more options to sign or was Houston Dynamo just the priority?
The truth is that I had other offers, only Houston from MLS. From USL there was an opportunity, but I decided to stay with the club due to the new project they have, where I am still important in the team and that in the end it is good, that I value you.
His future, Bonieks and the day of the catracho
Are you planning to retire to Dynamo or do you want to return to Honduras?
God willing, I’d like to retire here (Houston), the family is very comfortable in the United States, but if that doesn’t happen, we’ll look for other options. We go step by step to see how the results will be at the end of the season.
Are you planning to live in the United States?
The point is that. My children study here (Boniek José, Jaden Boniek, Ivania Lourdes) I try to give them the best in the future, that’s why I intend to stay here.
So far, how do you rate your career at 36?
It was very good, quite positive, with ups and downs, as is normal in this race, but this is not over yet and we must continue to enjoy every match and training.
How do you enjoy life in Houston?
I live my life very quietly, there are many Central Americans here, nothing out of the ordinary, there are many Honduran restaurants, there is variety, we had fun as they say ”.
And what is a day like for you?
I spend time at home watching TV. When it’s my turn to train, we start playing FIFA, cards, my wife plays with us, with some application games, but I’m always happy with them.
How would you like the fans to remind you?
Like that person who gave it his all on the field.
Is Boniek good in the kitchen?
Before playing professionally, I defended myself in the kitchen, but I know that if I sink immediately, I will defend myself, at least the water will not burn me … ha ha ha.
Is Boniek a poor father?
I am a very thrifty and affectionate guy with my children, obviously there are times when you have to push them to do their homework, I play a lot with them and I always help them in any way I can.
As a husband, are you romantic and caring?
That should already be asked of my wife Ivania Reyes, I’m a retailer with her for the occasion, but it’s better if she tells you that.
If you were to describe yourself as a person, what would you say?
I would say that I am a very happy person, who always helps others when I have the opportunity to do so, a first class worker, that is how I would define myself.
Do your twins, Jaden and José, have a future in football?
To be honest, they look to the future, they have important details on the ground, they are both seven years old. Boniek José is a striker and has many qualities. Jaden is a defender and is strong, he scores well. Right now they’re going into a football academy and I’m going to help them teach.
So will you start your coaching career?
This is the idea, to gain knowledge from now on, I will start with the children, a friend gave me the opportunity in his academy and I said yes, and in our free time we will take advantage. Here there are a lot of opportunities to start a coaching career, start with something and we will see what happens and in the future that opportunity can be offered.
Was Boniek a person who likes luxury?
No, none of this is normal, luxurious things don’t catch my eye. This is for other types of people.
H, the best goal and his favorite coaches
So far, who’s the best manager you’ve ever had?
I have many, the truth; Chelato Uclés primarily because it marked my career. Then I would put Juan Carlos Espinoza and then Nahúm Espinoza. With the national team, Reinaldo Rueda and Luis Suárez. Already in MLS would have been Dominic Kinnear, the one who helped me grow in the United States. But I also believe that in this profession every technician who trains you leaves you with positive things.
We know he scores a few goals, but of those he has scored, which is his favorite?
I have few goals, but when I score there are goals, it would be difficult, but my first goal with Olimpia against Real Spain was a goal, which I would stick with. There are other good ones, but that is very special for me “.
Why is it so difficult now for Honduras to export players abroad?
There are more players abroad, what happens is that they do not go out as often as before or for heavier teams. But it is also part of some things that are not done well.
Do you want to remain part of the process towards Qatar 2022?
This is the idea, I think if I stay active I can be summoned. We know there is a lot of competition, but it is good because there is a very busy group. I will always be ready for my country. There is a good race of players, this year it is essential to know if we will have options to qualify for the World Cup.
Do you dream of being in another World Cup?
Sure, I have that great desire, but we know it’s not easy, first I have to keep playing to have the opportunity, we trust God that it can be given.
How should football in Honduras improve?
On the pitch, it is essential to be able to develop growing players, otherwise it will always be difficult for us to go to the World Cup in any category.