Exclusive: NHL star Macklin Celebrini details his soccer background and shares his thoughts on the World Cup

Macklin Celebrini is fast becoming one of the biggest stars in hockey, but he has some soccer roots as well.

The Sharks’ star and Canadian native recently partnered with Airbnb to host a two-night fan experience in Toronto centered around the World Cup match on July 2nd between Portugal and Croatia (where Celebrini has ancestry from). Celebrini recently shared his experience playing soccer, his rooting interest in the World Cup and more in an interview with Casino Guru News.

Q: How did this World Cup experience event come about?

"Airbnb approached me just with my soccer background, with my parents growing up playing soccer, and myself growing up playing soccer. I think they approached me about doing something like a campaign revolving around the World Cup coming to North America, and how most Canadians don't know the rules of soccer. Kind of running a camp and teaching Canadians about soccer. So yeah, it's been awesome to work with them."

Q: I didn't know this about you. Obviously you were a hockey guy, but you played soccer while growing up. How fanatical were you about soccer?

"I played soccer and hockey growing up. I love soccer, I just loved hockey more."

Q: At what age did you start playing soccer, and what position did you play, and until what age?

"I was a center midfield striker. I think I quit when I was 12 or 13, but I mean, at that age, I think I played at a pretty high level."

Q: Is that around the time that you realized that hockey is your sport? That's where I have a future?

"Yeah, 100% That's when I realized I loved hockey, and I loved being on the ice with my friends. So I felt like that was what I wanted to do."

Q: How was the soccer camp experience leading into the World Cup match between Portugal and Croatia?

"I'm just leaving the soccer camp right now, and it was a lot of fun to be with the people that bid on the experience. It was really fun just running through some soccer drills and hanging out."

Q: Did you show off some of your moves, and what's your best trait on the soccer field?

"A little bit, a little bit. I think it’s my shot. My dribbling isn't very good, but I think my shot's pretty good.

Q: Since we're in the midst of the World Cup, I want to get your overall thoughts. Do you have a team you rooted for? Do you have a favorite player that you would like to see win?

"Obviously I'm rooting for Canada, and my family has a strong connection to Croatia, so I'll be cheering for them as well. But other than that, I really enjoy just watching such a high level of a sport, especially when it's on a stage like this in the World Cup. It's just fun to watch."

Q: Is there a favorite player that you had while growing up, or a favorite player that you like watching right now that's involved in the World Cup?

"If you want a generic answer, I think Messi. I love Messi. He's obviously pretty special. I loved Neymar while growing up. I loved watching him, and just the way he played soccer. But I think Luka Modric (was my favorite)....I watched a lot of Croatia growing up, so I think Modric."

Q: Since this was in Toronto, what makes Toronto such a great destination and a great city for those who have never been in Toronto?

"I think you kind of get everything. It's the biggest city in Canada, so it's a big city feel. I'm not as familiar with Toronto as a lot of people, but I love coming to Toronto. It's an amazing place. There's so many different cool spots around, especially downtown. It's got everything. It's got the MLB and NBA and the NHL. It's always fun to come to Toronto."

Q: If I were to put you on the spot, who's going to win this World Cup? Which team are you picking?

"I mean from watching, I think France. They're just so fun to watch. I think France is gonna take it. Them or Spain, I think."

Q: Kylian Mbappe is another good one, right?

"He's fun to watch. Michael Olise is really fun to watch, Ousmane Dembele, all those guys. It's crazy that they have all of them."