The first interview of the Brazilian newcomer from St. Petersburg.
Photo: Evgeny Asmolov
— Arthur, welcome to Zenit! How was your trip? When did you arrive?
— Thank you, everything went smoothly, I was received very warmly here, it’s so nice! I arrived early in the morning and almost immediately went for a medical examination.
— It’s quite frosty today. Did you manage to feel the cold?
– Yes! When I left the airport, I felt how cold it was outside. I will try to adapt to my new climate as soon as possible. I kind of got ready, put on all the warmest things I had, but in any case, everything is fine, this is part of our profession. I hope I’ll get used to everything quickly.
“And yet it’s unlikely that you have enough warm clothes with you.” Will you have time to buy it before leaving for training camp?
— I’ll definitely go shopping! I have a warm jacket, a sweater, a down jacket with me, and now I need to understand how suitable it all is. It will be warm in Abu Dhabi, but then you will obviously have to buy what is missing.
— Is this your first encounter with snow?
— To be honest, it’s the second one. I was once on a trip to Switzerland, we were in the mountains, so I saw snow there for the first time.
— What did you think when you received an offer from St. Petersburg? And what did they know about our city and club before the transition?
— When the first conversations began, I thought that all this would not be easy, after all, it was a different country and a different championship. On the other hand, many foreigners – mainly Brazilians – defended and defend the Zenit colors, with some of them we have a common football background, and they always told me that this is an excellent city and club. So I didn’t think twice – I discussed everything with my family and accepted the offer.
— It is known that you played in Red Bull Bragantino together with Claudinho. Did you talk to him when making your decision? What did he tell you about Zenit?
— That this is a very cool team, and St. Petersburg is a beautiful city. That everyone in the club treats each other very well, and this is a real European grandee. I remember Zenit’s performances in the Champions League, I watched its matches, so my ideas coincided with his words.
— Which other Zenit compatriots do you know personally?
– With Wendel and Claudinho. I’ve crossed paths with them before. They spoke very warmly about the club and the city. True, we haven’t seen each other for a long time, but I hope we’ll meet again soon!
— You are the current champion of Brazil, you have joined the strongest Russian team of the last five years. What goals do you set for yourself at Zenit?
“I want to become a champion here too!” In recent years, Zenit has regularly won the title, and I also want to know the taste of this victory and share its joy with my new teammates. And so that this continues for another five, or better yet, ten years in a row!
— Have you already decided on your game number?
– I always played under number 7 or 11 – in Brazil this is typical for flank forwards. But no matter what my number is, I will show the best I can to benefit Zenit.
— You have experience playing in a variety of positions in the attacking zone. Which one do you consider your crowning glory?
— I’ll name the position of right winger; I most often played on this flank. But, of course, I can be used both in the center of the field and on the left side, but my favorite zone is on the right in attack.
— Finally, a few words for the blue-white-blue fans.
– Hi all! I look forward to getting to know you and seeing you at our stadium! I want to feel what it’s like to play for Zenit and see the Gazprom Arena. And I am sure that in my game you will never feel a lack of dedication and desire to give your all. I promise that I will do everything to please you and rejoice with you. Thanks, bye!
2024-01-14 16:28:45
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