Summoned to the Brazilian national team during the 2009 (Croatia) and 2011 (Sweden) editions of the World Cup, injured in 2013 and 2015, and finally “cut” two weeks before the Rio Games (2016) by the Spanish coach Jordi Ribera, Ales Silva (34) has since broken ties with the “Seleçao”. If he does not allow any bitterness to sweat, the Brazilian hub admits, however, to follow the news with a little more detachment …
Ales, did you follow with a touch of nostalgia the course of Brazil in this Egyptian World Cup (1)?
No, I had the opportunity to play two world championships in my career, and it was a great experience. It is difficult to project yourself into the current situation. In my time, Brazil did not have the level it has today. You could say he was a cut below. Now he is able to make good matches against any European formation. Personally, I don’t know what could have happened. But, anyway, the question no longer arises since, after the 2016 Games, I announced that I would no longer return to the national team. (2).
“Jordi (Ribera) remains someone I respect”
What happened before the Rio Olympics? A personal problem with Jordi Ribera (who has since taken over the Spanish team)?
No, we can’t talk about a problem. At the time, it’s true that I didn’t understand his decision, but Jordi remains someone I respect enormously. He’s a great coach. He did a lot of work with Brazil, where handball has developed thanks to him. In Rio, he left with only one pivot. Given the specificity of the position, it was a choice that might seem surprising. But again, I respect his decision …
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So you never hoped for a return to selection?
Nothing says it would have been possible. But, in my head, it was over! Come what may.
Not everyone might know it, but you were also a… international full-back!
It is true. I played in a junior world championship at left-back. And then, at 20, I injured my shoulder. I had to stop a season and I couldn’t shoot 9 meters anymore. It is there that I reconverted to the post of pivot.
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Back to the World Cup. Have you been heating up the TV in recent days?
I watched a few matches from Brazil and the main European teams. Before, I would have seen them all in their entirety (laughs). But we have to admit that some encounters are not very interesting …
Favorites?
I think it will be played between Hungary, Norway, France and Denmark.
(1) Easy winner of Uruguay on Monday (37-17), Brazil, not really varnished in the draw, finally won 18th place in this 2021 World Cup. After having all the same hooked Spain (29-29) and the Tunisia (32-32).
(2) He was 30 years old and then played for Benfica Lisbon.
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