You played here in Charlotte in 2018 with Dortmund against Liverpool, now you'll have the chance to play here again with Chelsea against the city's pro team. Thoughts on that?
"I am really excited to be back in Charlotte. I think it's cool to see how far along the sport has come here and the MLS team, getting to play against them will be a great experience.
"So I'm thrilled to be back here with Chelsea, back in the States, and get the chance to play here again."
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There are a number of your American international teammates coming to the Premier League this summer, are you excited to play against these guys and have you spoken to any of them?
"I'm very excited. I've been in conversation with them and it's amazing to see some of my teammates that I've played with for so long – other Americans – getting to play in what we feel is the best league in the world.
"So I've had conversations with them but at the end of the day, they know what to expect. They are great players and they will have to go through the same things I've gone through and I'm excited to see how they will do."
The last time you were here, there were questions about whether you would join Liverpool. Did you have any idea where you would end up?
"At that time, I don't think I had that in my head, I was focused on pre-season. I don't remember when that was exactly but I think I had another full season at Dortmund and then I was able to come to this club, which is incredible and I am super happy to be here. But at the time, no, I wasn't thinking about anything like that."
Your cousin is up the road at NCFC, do you expect him to come down for the game?
"I was speaking to him all week. He has a very busy schedule, three away games in a row. So I'm not sure he is going to make it. But he has already texted me and has is supporting me. I'm following him as well. I don't think I'm going to get to see him, unfortunately, but hopefully soon."
Do you feel the support gets bigger every time you come back here?
"Absolutely. The sport in general in America has grown so much since I first started playing in Europe. It's cool to see. When I first moved over, there was a following. But coming back and seeing the amount of Americans with Premier League jerseys or whatever team it is, it's cool to see the support and how much the sport has grown."
What role do these games play in growing the sport?
"I think they can play big roles. I think some of my friends and family – and some people that I hear who are coming out to games – they don't get to see Premier League games every weekend and it's great for them to see their favourite teams come over here and take on MLS teams.
"I think it's a good way to bring people out, give them a taste of what the game is like and how we play it, and seeing it in your own country is really special."
Who are you most familiar with on Charlotte's team?
"I know a few of the guys, there is nobody I would say I'm most familiar with. I think it will be a good test and fun to play against some American guys, America competition. A new MLS team is going to be good for us to experience."
What does having an MLS team in a state do for the growth of the game?
"I think it gives people a team to cling on to and feel like it's theirs. That is huge for any city or state in America. It helps to grow the sport. Before they didn't have a massive soccer team to support and know there will be thousands of fans at the games watching.
"Now they have that, and I think that will bring people out and get Americans watching games. It's a great thing to see."
Chelsea are now under American ownership – Todd Boehly and Clearlake – have you had the chance to speak to them and maybe about your future?
"I've had conversations with the owners, obviously. It's cool having American guys around and getting to meet them and have conversations. Right now, I'm focused on what's going on at Chelsea, to be honest, and pre-season.
"Obviously, being in America is amazing and we're just excited to get the season started. Truthfully, I'm just very focused on how I can help this team right now and how I can continue to do that in the future."
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