DC United new recruit and talented midfielder Nick DeLeon the son of T&T legend Leroy DeLeon says he wish his dad was there for him.
In a February 2012 interview with the MLSnet.com official website Nick said: "My dad started of playing pro soccer at the age of 18 when he came to the US to play in the NASL, and as far as his inspiration towards me, well, honestly it wasn't much as I'd like, he did his own thing pretty much."
"He wasn't there, he didn't have too much of an influence on me, I wished he did more with me and trained me, with my mom she played soccer as well and pushed me in that aspect of my life, added DeLeon."
Nick DeLeon with the seventh pick in the 2012 MLS Superdraft. The former University of Louisville winger made his mark during the 2011 NCAA Tournament, leading the Cardinals to the quarterfinals before they lost to UCLA. "Nick has exhibited that he is one of the best players in college soccer," said head coach Ken Lolla. "We look forward to watching his success in the MLS."
DeLeon’s father, Leroy, played internationally for Trinidad and Tobago and also played for the Washington Diplomats in the North American Soccer League from 1974 to 1977. In 2008, he was inducted into the Trinidad and Tobago Sports Hall of Fame.
DeLeon graduated from St Benedict's College in Trinidad and Tobago. In 1967, he signed with the New York Generals of the National Professional Soccer League. In 1968, the NPSL merged with the United Soccer Association to form the North American Soccer League (NASL). DeLeon and the Generals spent the 1969 season in the NASL.