New York Red Bulls midfielder John Rooney says he just wants to make it his way in Major League Soccer on his own volition.
The 20-year old younger brother of Manchester United and England star Wayne, John is just three months into his American adventure.
The former Macclesfield Town man came on late to make his MLS debut in the 3-0 home victory over San Jose Earthquakes on April 17 and after having a small taste of North America's top league is hoping to continue his development as the season progresses.
"I've come out here both to build my career and to have a new experience, it's more chilled out here for me, it's just me, playing for myself," he told the Daily Mail.
"It would be great one day to be known for myself and not just because of my brother. That's what I'm out here to do, build something on my own."
Rooney admits it has been slightly tough to move away from his native Liverpool but says he has been able to get through with the help from his parents and of course his big-name sibling.
"I actually thought I would be more homesick than I was, but I've been here three months and it's felt more like three weeks so far. Mum and Dad stayed out for my first week here. I went into the city with my mum. It's unbelievable the first time you see it - crazy - the buildings are all so massive it takes a lot of getting used to. I'm looking forward to watching the basketball and I'm a big boxing fan," he added.
"I phone my parents every day and I speak to Wayne a lot, he is always ringing to find out how I'm getting on. It helps that my family were so supportive of coming out here. We're a big family so a lot of my mates are cousins and they all told me I should go for it."
And Rooney has made it clear that his goal is to break into the Red Bulls first team and play alongside the likes of former Arsenal star Thierry Henry.
"I just want to get in the Red Bulls first team. Training alongside someone like Thierry Henry is brilliant and I couldn't have experienced that otherwise. He's a really nice person and always gives advice," he concluded.
