Jack Harrison is ready to give his all to help the New England Revolution win the elusive MLS Cup.
Harrison, 29, was unveiled to the media on Monday as the club's newest Designated Player.
After playing for New York City FC in 2016 and 2017, he transferred overseas, making 180 appearances with Leeds United and Everton of the English Premier League and Fiorentina of Serie A. He now returns to MLS, joining the Revs through the 2029-30 season.
"After speaking with the guys and realizing that the decision to leave Europe and come back to the U.S. was definitely the right decision," Harrison said. "Looking at the project that they're trying to build here and speaking with the manager [Marko Mitrović], it's the place that checked the most boxes for me and the one that felt most aligned with what I wanted to do, what I wanted to achieve, and how I wanted to be in life, not only on the pitch but off it as well."
General manager and chief soccer officer Chris Tierney noted that the Revs wanted to add a wide forward during this transfer window. Harrison matched what the club was looking for, both on and off the field.
"[Chris] has spoken a lot about the character and what they're trying to build here," Harrison said. "You can really see it off the pitch, but also getting the results on the pitch, performing together and playing for each other. It's crucial for any club to succeed, really.
"Another big reason why I wanted to come here and be a part of that is that the character that they're trying to build really matches who I am as well. If I can come into that environment and try to add to that, it can not only help me succeed, but also for the club too."
While Harrison certainly aims to offer goals and assists, he also wants to provide guidance to a young squad. Against Montreal, the Revs started seven players who were 26 or younger. Five of them were below 23.
"There are a lot of young guys here, a lot of talented young guys that have a lot of potential," Harrison said. "If I could help them in their journey in one way or the other, that would be a bonus too. I'm definitely trying to get the results on the pitch and adding what I can to the club."
Harrison got a glimpse at what it will be like to play at Gillette Stadium when he was introduced to Revolution fans ahead of the Atlanta United game. The experience prompted him to tell his agent, "This has been the best signing that I've done in my career so far."
With the English Premier League on break, Harrison has been doing what he can to stay fit during the last few weeks. He feels like he's in a good spot, and hopes to make his Revs debut on Saturday against the Houston Dynamo.
"Obviously, it’s still very early and a preseason-vibes type of thing, but I’m working very hard to build that fitness up," Harrison said. "If I can make my debut this weekend, that would be amazing."
Committed to the club long-term, the goal is clear: Harrison wants to bring an MLS Cup to New England.
"For me, I’m going to do everything I can to bring a trophy back, whether it’s in the next six months or anything over the next four years," Harrison explained. "That’s going to be my ambition, and it’s a huge part of why I wanted to come here. So, I’m going to do everything I can to bring a title back to Boston."
