By the Cuba Journal staff
The latest VICE SPORTS video follows Carmello Anthony as he travels to Cuba to explore the recent rise of soccer in the nation usually associated with baseball.
The New York Cosmos also traveled to Havana to play a friendly match with Cuba, the first in decades.
Anthony spoke with many locals on his trip, one of whom expressed that for years the Cuban system has not allowed for the expansion of sports.
“I didn’t know I had that many fans in Havana,” said Anthony.
The athlete spoke with young Cubans about the start of his basketball career, which he began playing street ball.
“They put things in a lot of perspective for me,” said Anthony, “to let me know and remind me of how hard I had to work.”
The locals taught him about street soccer and indoor soccer, which are gaining traction in the nation.
“In Cuba, we’re playing more soccer than baseball now,” said one Cuban soccer player, “because we’re following more soccer now, Real Madrid, Barcelona.”
While exploring Havana and its culture– particularly in the street ball scene– Anthony said he saw a lot of talent and potential.
“I never saw anything like that before,” he said.
