Inter Miami CF has signed winger Robert Taylor to a two-year contract extension through the 2026 Major League Soccer season, with an additional club option for 2027.
The player first arrived ahead of the 2022 campaign from Norwegian top-flight side SK Brann, and has since become one of only two players in the club's history to reach the 100-appearance milestone. He has also managed 16 goals and 19 assists in total in his Miami career, placing him behind Lionel Messi for the club's most assists record.
Taylor continues to be an integral part of the team under coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, in the club's new era.
“During my time here we've been through a lot of ups and downs,” Taylor told ESPN. “The first year I was here we made the playoffs but then we got knocked out in the first round which was really disappointing, and then the next year we didn't even make the playoffs but we won the Leagues Cup.”
“It's been a lot of ups and downs and now that we're doing well, we can't really be satisfied yet with the way we've been playing because we haven't won anything yet.”
The winger has seen the Garzas evolve into a star-studded team attracting global attention, with the arrivals of Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Taylor called the new attention “an honor,” inspiring players to be at their best at all times.
“I don't think the attention has affected me in any way,” he told ESPN. “I think it's only been positive. I love that. The more people watch us play, the more honored you feel. And when you feel like people are watching you, it's a great feeling.”
“We know we're selling out the stadium and there are a lot more people watching online than before,” he said. “So that makes everyone even more focused on their games.”
“And now that we have all the players we have, we have expectations to live up to. I think, as you can see from the results, we're all improving our game.”
Inter Miami will have another chance to prove its worth when it kicks off the 2024 Leagues Cup tournament on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, against Liga MX side Puebla.
The reigning champions will be without Messi, as Martino confirmed he is “improving every day” but is still unavailable due to the ankle injury he sustained during the Copa America final.
The striker did not train with the team and said he remains “frustrated” by their lack of involvement.
Suárez could also be out of action against Puebla due to inflammation in his knee. His inclusion in the squad will be a last-minute decision.
