Having waged many tense international battles against former Mexico ace Cuauhtemoc Blanco while with the U.S. Men's National Team, Chicago striker Brian McBride admits he likes the playmaker well enough now that they are on the same side.

Despite a long history of CONCACAF clashes, the veteran pushed the old sports adage about what happens when a nemesis suddenly becomes a running mate.

"He's one of those guys you would love to have on your team," McBride told the Chicago Tribune. "When you play against him, you'd rather not do that."

"I have complete and utmost respect for him."

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