Former Rosenborg defender Robbie Russell is hoping his UEFA Champions League experiences will rub off on his teammates in tonight's CONCACAF Final.
Russell and his Real Salt Lake mates meet Mexican club Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions League decider at Rio Tinto Stadium and after playing in Europe's top competition, the 31-year old can't wait for another taste of the action.
Russell played with the Norwegian club in the UEFA Champions League about five years ago and now finds himself again competing to be part of a region's best team.
"Different countries, different teams, everything is different about them," Russell said. "But the objectives are the same. Getting hardware of that magnitude is amazing.
"I never had the chance to play in a UEFA Champions League final, but it's still an honor and such a privilege to play with the best people in that region," he added.
He also felt extremely honoured to have played in that competition but also admits it is a privilege to be involved in North and Central America and the Caribbean's premier league.
"As much as you want to sit there and reminisce, while you are playing it's all about the next game, and then the next game," he said.
"I can't compare those times to these times, but I love them individually just as much. Both are just prestigious, and you feel honored to be a part of it."
