Yes, everything is going great so far. As a rookie, I had to show what I was made of and
demonstrate that I deserved to play. As the season progresses, I get more playing time. I hope that I will get the chance to play more, but I know I have to wait for my time. It’s hard because there are so many good players on this
team. I think that every coach would be happy to have such a line-up. I’m training hard and when I go on the field, I try to do my best. The season is long, so I have to be patient and get better
every day.
Like your teammate and countryman Zé Roberto, you had the chance to play a few seasons in Brazil, with Cooritiba FC (1997 and 1998), International FC (2001) and Avai FC (2001 to 2004). Are you thinking of going back to your country to play soccer?
Definitely not! Soccer in Brazil is very disorganized. There is political and economic corruption in my country, and soccer is no stranger to it either. I don’t have any aspiration to go back to play over there. I would rather go to Europe. But for now, I’m only thinking about my season with the Impact. Perhaps in the future, I would like to play in France or Spain. There is very good soccer over there.
What is the main difference between Brazilian soccer and North American soccer?
I think that soccer here is very physical but also very fast. The game is always played at 100 km/h. In Brazil, you have time to get a hold of the ball, but in our league, it’s very fast. I had to adapt because it’s very different. You don’t have time to breathe and think, but I like it. Also, with our busy schedule, injuries can be more frequent, but so far I only had a light ankle injury.
"I think that soccer here is very physical but also very fast. The game is always played at 100 km/h."
It seems like you are very attached to your country, is that right?
It’s the first time I come to Canada and I find the weather cold. I’m used to hot weather so I’m having difficulties adapting. When people tell me that it will soon be 30 degrees, I don’t believe it (laughs). I love the beach and surfing. Like all Brazilians, I’m a calm guy who likes having a good time and relaxing. I also love to dance on Brazilian music. In my apartment in Lachine I always cook Brazilian food, which is mainly composed of rice, beans and meat. However, I do like Montreal because you get the chance to experience American culture but with a European flair. It’s a great mix.
You ended your college career with impressive stats (59 goals) and also during your stay in the Premier Development League (36 goals). Have you always had this ease to score goals? And what is the most important goal you scored?
Initially, I was a midfielder but when I came to the United States in 2004, my coach repositioned me as a forward. In my first season, I felt good and I scored 21 goals. I think that the most important goal I scored was during the Gulf Conference championship game, in 2005. I scored the tying goal, which led my team into penalty kicks and we then won the game.
