SAN JOSE — The Earthquakes’ newest European player is a devout Muslim who dreamed of playing soccer in America.
Jahmir Hyka (HEE-ka) isn’t worried about any possible travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries or reports such as the one about the son of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who was detained for hours earlier this month at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
“I never had a problem with that because I know America is an open country for everybody,” Hyka said Saturday during an introductory news conference. “If you are Muslim, Catholic or Jewish, I knew from the beginning I wouldn’t have a problem with that.