Luis Fabiano, a long journey

Written by Serginho , 16.02.2010

Luis Fabiano is our Samba Gold for 2009. After a difficult early career, he has established himself as a star of world football. Never shying away from responsibilities, we find out more about the man.

HIS CHILDHOOD IN BRAZIL


- How did you start playing football?

In Brazil, the first gift is a ball. I started small with the ball in my hands always wanting to play - up to 14 years I did not think of being a professional player though. Then I started playing football in my neighbourhood and the coach said I could make it as a pro. Then I went to do a trial with Guarani, but failed because they had a lot of players already. I stopped playing for a bit then had a trial at Ituano, went to Ponte Preta and it all started.

His idol was Romário

- His family also played football?

Yes my grandfather played professional for Ponte Preta and Vasco as a winger. My idol was Romario. At 94, I was 14 and already understood better football. At the World Cup, Romario was very good. At first, I was not a striker, but played on the right. Romário - Why? I always admired him as a striker in the area, his character, always looking up, I always admired him.

- You watched the games from the Ponte Preta?

My family was all ponte-pretano fans always going to games. My childhood was peaceful. Everyone in my house worked. It wasn't rich, but everybody worked. My grandfather was foreman of a company tractor parts. My uncle was part of the army. My mother worked as a teacher in a school child. My only choice was to play football. To reach my level, I had to have determination. In my career I have had much difficulty. But never gave up.

- If you had not chosen football, what would your profession today?

That's one thing I don't know. I always liked football, but did not know I could be a professional player because it is a difficult thing to become in Brazil, lots of people try, many boys.

- Do you remember your first ball?

Yes, it was a plastic ball. I played with small kicks, kicking the wall also.

My first shirt? Was Ponte Preta that was not mine, it was my uncle's. I was a little too thin. The shirt was wide. I played with it so that the end could not wear it.

"I do not like to expose"

- Football is a social ladder for you? What were your goals through football?

My first goal was to be a professional player. After I was a professional player, I wanted to play for a great team. After playing in São Paulo FC. Step by step. Did you get a lot of money? No. When the team starts small, you do not think a lot of money, just to help the family. One thinks of money when playing in the big time.

- Off the pitch you are a private player. You protect your home life right?

I am very calm. I have children, I try to be more at home, and hard for me to leave alone. I do not like to expose myself too much. I never did this kind of thing in my career. I have two daughters. Giovanna and Gabriela. There are 2 and 5 years. They like to come in the game and come on the pitch with me.

- Football is a reason for living or just a job?

I love it, its a passion for me. Working with your passion is even better.


EUROPE


What memory do you have of Rennes, your first European team?

- I was very young, at age 18, I was not prepared to play in Europe. But it was my fault, the coach was not really wanting a striker with the difficulties he had.

- It is difficult to adapt to European football?

I never managed to adapt at that time, with the language, to the cold. I just thought to leave. The cold, the language because I was not playing and I was not willing to continue. The style of play was quite different. Much faster, Brazilian football is much more relaxed without physical contact. It was very difficult to change the style. However, when the coach put me in my position at Rennes.

- Are you still in touch with Severino Lucas?

Yes, he is in Japan the time at Rennes with him helped me, both with Vander and Cesar. It was very important to have companions at that time. We were always together. But they also had difficulties.

- After this difficult period, it was difficult to play again in Brazil to find the proper level?

No. I went back to Brazil to play for São Paulo. I got a very good team and was fortunate to play again and played well in the first year when I came back. If it had worked, would come back for Rennes and I would not appear opportunity to play again in Brazil and I do not know whether I would play at Rennes. As well in São Paulo, São Paulo bought me. It gave a much needed jolt in my career.

- Many players get back in Brazil today .. And a solution?

Depends. I believe that help is a very good alternative to find a new family, the weather. If it can be a good alternative.

-After you have been playing in Portugal. It is easier for a Brazilian?

It is easier, but despite speaking Portuguese, Brazilian and Portuguese are rivals at the level of football. To live, Portugal is more relaxed. The character is different. The Portuguese are more serious, for the Brazilians all the party. But I failed in Portugal for other reasons too. My mother was kidnapped for two months. I was in Portugal, I could not go back to Brazil. I lived alone with the news from afar. It was very difficult without news, knowing nothing I feared the worst. The reunion was very good, great joy, she was well with no injuries.

"The Seville at home"

- What do you think of Spanish football?

And I like to play football again. Here in Europe the rate is more fast. Especially here in Spain, the players like to keep the ball. And that's good for Brazilians. Here I feel very well. Seville is very good for Brazilians. The climate is hot, I feel at home after 5 years. Today its my second home.

- Del Bosque has proposed the Nene to play for the Spanish national team. Would you agree?

It's hard (he thinks). But I understand if he accepts. All players want to play the World Cup. With the Brazilian team is very difficult. If you have a chance to play with another team, I understand. But personally I do not know if he would accept.


SELECTION


- Do you remember your first call?

My first call was with the best Ronaldinho, Ronaldo .. All world champions in 2002. It was difficult to find a space. The selection of today is very close, is what makes the difference.

- The first World Cup you saw was that of 94 in the United States ..

Yes What struck me was the goal of Romario against Cameroon when he kicked down the goalkeeper. It was a difficult game, but it made the difference. I followed this World Cup with my friends, quietly, without fuss. I'm not superstitious or before the games but when I enter the field I always go first with the right foot.

- The experts were critical of this team too ..

- I liked this selection because Brazil won and was champion of the world. They were tetra-champion! The most important thing for me is to win.

- How do you feel for your first call with the Brazilian team?

First, I was very happy, of course. But honestly, I was nervous about all. I was anxious before the game was my first. Before the start of the match, it was terrible. Everyone helped me, the group is still supportive. My first shirt? Yes, I have kept it. This is in Brazil, on the wall of my house.

- Seven years later, do you still feel the same passion before a game with the national team?

- Yes, of course. Wearing the shirt of Brazil is a strong thing. There are few people who have this opportunity, this chance. Represent the Brazilian people is an important thing. Moreover, the pressure is great. Brazil always has to win. It must always have positive thoughts. Wear the shirt of Brazil is a pressure and a very big responsibility.

- His family follows his career?

- They are not used to call me before the games. Usually, they call me then to know how was the game. My mother never watches the games, she is too nervous.

She is afraid I get hurt. One day, I left the field injured, having seizures during a game-Palmeiras Ponte Preta. I had to leave in an ambulance. After that, it was very difficult for her to watch a game.

"Playing against France is always difficult"

- What did you do during the 2006 World Cup? Did you follow the tournament?

- I watched the games usually in front of the television. I honestly did not expect to be called even if I was doing well at Seville. But I arrived too late, did not participate in the preparation of the squad.

- Why did Brazil not beat the French?

- He smiles. Zidane, he was impressive. Playing against France has always been difficult.

- What do you think of Dunga?

- And a good person, very calm. He talks a lot with the players, leaves space. Is a good coach, he is different than people think. And a very good person. He is very calm, does not like controversy, bad behaviour. He always explains as to why, he is very disciplined, but no, he is not too hard.

- His instructions always seem strict. With him, we see some attacking and defending with contact ...

- Its his way of directing the team and coaching. He insists much on marking to not let them play. Brazil needs to keep the ball to play well. And Dunga insists on marking to retrieve the ball quickly. Without the ball is different, Brazil does not like to chase, they suffer.

"I'll find out how the Cup feels"

- How do you see the next World Cup?

- Now I see it differently. I'll play! I do not know how that will be. I'm looking forward to see how that will happen.

- You were top scorer in the last Confederations Cup, marking on you will be strong ..

- Yes, but it is normal. I'm ready, I'm ready. All teams that play against Brazil mark strong. We have to look for alternatives. Want to be the top scorer in the Cup? No. Of course it would be a dream but I do not think so, let things happen naturally.

- What kind of player you like to act in the attack? Adriano? Robinho?

- I'm used to playing with players moving around a lot, with players who have a style similar to me. I always try to adapt. I have no preference. I have an understanding with Robinho, Nilmar .. Frankly, I have no preference, I always mix well with any colleagues. I have no favourites.

"In Europe, my style of play has evolved"

- How would you describe your style of play?

It is difficult to compare myself with other players. In Europe, I learned a lot and score moving. In Brazil, I worked at these points. In Europe it is physical, I learnt the physical side of the game. Without it, I could not play in Europe.

- What is your prediction for the 2010 World Cup?

- Laughter. Champion of the world (raising arms). It would be great.

- You see a final against Spain?

- Beware of France and Argentina!

- The selection is always strong competition. What unites the players?

- When we're together, always talking to us, the team. The important thing for us is the selection. We always have respect for the opponent, but if Brazil is well, if the players are right, that is 80% of the result. The remaining 20%? Working in the field. The shirt is no longer a difference.

The strength of Brazil is the union between the players. Dunga help us much. Brazil is strong so the Dunga conveys this force and this character to win

Read more:

>> The Samba Gold with a smile
>> See the video of 2009 Samba Gold ceremony
>> All the pictures of the event
>> The year of Luis Fabiano, our Samba Gold 2009