Transfers of soccer players from the USA to Poland are very rare. More often, it is players from the Polish Ekstraklasa who go to the USA to play in the MLS. However, AZ Jackson is not afraid of new challenges. The one-time representative of the United States in soccer intends to perform at Jagiellonia Bialystok so well that he will return to the national team. In an exclusive interview with beIN Sports USA, he talks about life in Poland, the Jagiellonia Bialystok project and why the Polish league is worth watching.

Filip Zieliński (beIN Sports correspondent in Poland, journalist for Przegląd Sportowy Onet): Poland is not a popular destination for soccer players from the USA. Why did you decide to make this transfer?

AZ Jackson (Jagiellonia Bialystok player, One-time representative of the United States national soccer team) I decided to take this step because I really wanted to continue my adventure in Europe. They offered us, my agents and me, a great project that convinced us. Jagiellonia Bialystok gave me this opportunity and encouraged me with their project, which involves acquiring talented players who may not be as visible as they deserve and giving them a chance to showcase themselves so that they can then be sold to clubs across Europe. They really care about the players here, they want to develop them, and they understand what needs to be done. Thanks to this, the players are able to push their limits and do things that they have never done before. I am really grateful and honored that this has happened. I was very excited and couldn't wait to play in Poland the moment I signed the contract.

How do you find Poland? Have you had a chance to do some sightseeing yet?

So far, I really like Poland. I love the city of Bialystok. People are very friendly towards me and my girlfriend, who I moved here with. They always want to help us. Even when we go to the grocery store, for example, people always come up and ask if we need help. I really like living in Podlasie, it has everything I need. We are trying to find out how we can adapt to the city and the country, as neither of us has ever been to Poland before. But I feel that we have received a lot of help so far and it has been good for us to start this new journey together. We are really grateful and excited.

How were you received in the Ekstraklasa and at Jagiellonia Bialystok?

I was very well received. And, to be honest, as the first black American in the Ekstraklasa [second, because in 2010 Jeremiah White played three matches for GKS Bełchatów – editor's note], I feel truly honored to be part of the history of the Ekstraklasa, but above all, part of the club. I can't wait to continue my adventure. To win many trophies with the club and leave my mark on it.

How playing soccer in Poland differs from that in the USA? Have you noticed any differences yet?

I can definitely see some differences after this time, although in theory soccer is the same everywhere. In Europe, the stakes are different from those in MLS, where there is no relegation. It's easier for me to adapt because I've been travelling around Europe and the world since I was a child, participating in various competitions. I used to play in France as a teenager, so this is not a new situation for me or something that I find difficult to adapt to. I see differences in playing styles, but I don't want to judge where the higher level is. Furthermore, I need to find out the realities of the Polish league thoroughly and then, over time, I will adapt to them. Similar to MLS, I think Poland is a place where players come to develop and make a name for themselves.

Is Jagiellonia Bialystok a good place for you to fight for another call-up to the US national team? In January 2024, you played one friendly match against Slovenia.

I believe so. I would like to get back into the US national team. Especially in the context of European cups. We play with Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa Conference League, and that opens a window to the whole Europe, to the world, where I can show my skills. I can't wait to represent my country in the future. As soon as possible, I will be ready to support and help the team in any way I can.

How would you encourage your compatriots in the US to watch the Polish Ekstraklasa on beIN Sports USA?

Yes, I strongly encourage all soccer fans to watch the Ekstraklasa. I believe that my transfer has caused a stir in MLS, showing that the Polish league is developing and attracting young talents, including those from the United States. I think the very fact that I moved here has made people start following the Ekstraklasa in the US. Jagiellonia Bialystok has already made a name for itself and I think that now, when an American like me has joined the club, fans will be even more intrigued, because this is not a common occurrence in the Ekstraklasa.