Oh, the things people say about Brian McBride.
Here are a few.
Chris Coleman, his coach for three years at Fulham Football Club in the English Premier League, on McBride's value for what the team paid to get him: "If you look at it pound by pound, you can't buy anyone who attacks the ball like he does and scores goals like he does."
Eddie Lewis, his longtime teammate on the U.S. national team: "Some of the problems and injuries he had would have shut down most players for good."
Bruce Arena, his coach in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups: "Even as great a player as he was, people will remember him more as a quality person. Wouldn't we all want our legacy to be like that?"
Eric Lichaj, who has followed the path McBride took from the Chicago area to English pro soccer: "I always watched Fulham highlights because he was playing. He is probably the best player in the air ever to come out of the United States."
Carlos de los Cobos, his coach this season with the Chicago Fire: "I always say the same thing to all the players: `Be like Brian McBride.' Even now, he is still the first person out there in practice.''
Claudio Reyna, captain of the 2002 and '06 World Cup teams: "He always was for the team first and never was an attention-grabbing player. That's something you don't often get from forwards.''
Fulham management, on naming its stadium pub for him last year: " ... a fitting tribute to Brian McBride, whose unquestionable commitment and bravery earned him the respect of everyone associated with the club."
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