When it comes to the soccer realm, Ricardo Adé's journey has been anything but ordinary. From captaining the Haitian national team to becoming a star in his home country, Adé's passion for the game is palpable. At 33, he's now looking forward to what might be one of the biggest games of his illustrious career - the 2023 Copa Sudamericana Final.

The build-up to the game has been intense. "I'm truly elated. I feel like I'm living a dream, one that I've always harbored. To reach this stage with a club like LDU Quito is special," expressed Adé, the Haitian defender. The anticipation is building as LDU Quito prepares to face Fortaleza. The final, which airs exclusively on beIN SPORTS across North America, kicks off after a 3:30PM ET / 12:30PM PT buildup.

Fortaleza, having beaten heavyweights like Libertad, Atletico Mineiro, and Corinthians in their journey, will undoubtedly be formidable opponents. Their appearance in Saturday's final will mark their 17th game in South American club competition for the season. They began in the Copa Libertadores and transitioned to the Copa Sudamericana, aiming to engrave their name in the annals of football history.

But LDU Quito, with their track record, can't be underestimated. Their trophy cabinet boasts the Copa Sudamericana (2009), the Copa Libertadores (2008), and eleven Ecuadorian Serie A titles.

When asked about handling the days leading up to the big match and managing the inherent anxiety, Adé shared, "As the days go by, the calmness sets in. It's not just about the personal achievement; it's also significant for the club, the fans. They're eager for the fifth star. But we, as players, recognize the gravity of the upcoming challenge. The key is staying focused, minimizing errors, and hopefully returning to Ecuador with the trophy in hand."

The overwhelming support from the fans isn't lost on Adé. The back and forth with the supporters has been a cornerstone of their campaign. "Their unwavering support uplifts us," said the Haitian star. "They've followed us everywhere. From Argentina in the semi-finals to now in Uruguay for the final, they're with us. We aim to give our all on the pitch for that fifth star."