New York Red Bull midfielder Jan Gunnar Solli is trying his hand at becoming a DJ.
The 31-year old Norwegian has been giving time to his off-field passion by playing some sets at the exclusive Pink Elephant nightclub in Manhattan's Greenwich Village and admits it is nice when he can mix his two biggest interests.
"I love playing soccer, but I also love music," Solli told the Star-Ledger.
"I don't have to rate the two things up to each other because, when the timing is right, I'm able to do them both."
Solli has been making his own music for a while by blending the components of two songs and mixing them on his laptop and he suggests that there is a fine art to pulling together a decent track.
"That's where the mind game for me is," he added. "Use songs that have a very nice, catchy melody.
"Maybe there are a few different instruments in the track so it doesn't get too boring. You have to be smart. It's a mind game."
And New York's general manager Erik Soler has no problem with Solli's extra-curricular activities as he feels it is important for soccer players to be able to enjoy other things away from the game.
"He understands when to do things," Soler said. "We trust him. So far he has never broken any rules or regulations. I'm happy that he has other interests."
