The 2016 MLS season starts on Sunday, and plenty of eyes will be on Portland taking on Columbus. A rematch of the 2015 MLS Cup final, the two are yet again contenders for the crown and should provide quite the opening match. Portland's midfield engine, Argentine star Diego Valeri, is looking forward to another season with the club. He sat down with the Eye on Soccer team ahead of the season to talk about winning the final last year, where he sees the league in regards to the rest of the world and what the expectations are for this season.

Diego Valeri
Valeri again leads Portland into the new season. (USATSI)

Roger Gonzalez: The Portland Timbers didn't exactly enter the MLS Playoffs as a favorite, so what was the key to winning it all and what did that mean to you?

Diego Valeri: I think the team was improving, got tested and we entered in good form. We were more physical. A lot of things came together, especially the quality of the players. For me it was very special. It was a tough year that started with an injury and had other injuries. To finish off the year with the title was a dream ... When I was at [Argentine club] Lanus, I won the first title in the club's history in 2007. And here, I was with the team for its first title. I'm very proud of that. 

RG: You've played in Europe with both Porto and Almeria -- what's the biggest difference you notice in both the style of play and structure of MLS in comparison to Europe?

DV: Every country has different ways of playing soccer. It's a country where soccer is growing. The big difference is, it's more open, more space to play to attack. In Europe and in Argentina, there is more of a defensive focus. Here, maybe not so much, as there is no fear of relegation [since MLS is considered the top-level pro soccer, with no promotion/relegation.] In this soccer, the priority is more attacking, counter attacks.

RG: Playoffs -- was that a format that was hard for you to kind of understand? What are your thoughts on it now, considering most of the world uses a league table system with no playoffs. 

DV: It was really different. The playoffs is a completely different competition. It's something that also attracts people. It's a nice way to determine the champion.

RG: You've praised the fans of Portland, saying the atmosphere reminds you of big matches in Argentina. What does their support mean for you all?

DV: It is a fan base that is different than the rest of the US, always supporting us. It's very similar to South America. They are fantastic fans. We are always looking forward to home games.

RG: Do you see MLS as a league that can compete with big leagues around the world when it comes to quality on the field? What would it take, in your eyes, to get there? 

DV: Certainly, in time. I think this league has a structure and organization that is fantastic. It's going to become more important, that soccer culture will grow. Combined with the organization and structure, MLS will be a focal point in world soccer in the coming years.

RG: Is the expectation for Portland to win the MLS Cup again this season? 

DV: First, the objective is to get to the playoffs. It's hard to get to the playoffs. And then do well in the CONCACAF Champions League. 

RG: MLS and American soccer isn't viewed very highly by much of the world. So to those who don't watch it, don't support it, what would you say?

DV: It's their loss. I think it has value, defects as well, but it has a lot of positives.

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