The Brazil native has amassed 41 caps since 2007, is now a significant cog within the Sporting KC midfield, and—who knew?—is tight with Sacha Kljestan.
Posted
November 29, 2016
1:00 PM
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Invoice Barrett/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
Once I was 4 years previous I used to go to a—I do not know what you’d name them right here however they’ve them in Brazil—it was a soccer membership for futsal. Indoor. It wasn’t like a membership staff or something like that. However we’d all the time get collectively and play.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
My dad taught me soccer so he could possibly be my soccer hero. Participant-wise, there was this striker for Botofogo, the staff I used to love. His identify was Tulio and he was our main purpose scorer. He was a childhood hero.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
The primary time I suited up for the U.S. Bruce Enviornment was in cost. I suited up however did not play. The primary recreation I performed was with Bob [Bradley]—towards Ecuador in 2007 I imagine. It was nice. I began. We received 3-0. Landon, I feel, bought a hat trick. It was a terrific feeling to play in your nation.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
I love intelligence in a soccer participant—any person who does the proper issues on the proper instances.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Laziness.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Consistency.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
Scoring.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
My dad.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
Sacha Kljestan.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Enjoying within the World Cup.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Not beating Ghana within the World Cup.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
In case you’re not bettering, you are getting worse.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Rafael van der Vaart and Vincent Kompany.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Internationally, Spain and Brazil. Domestically, the most effective groups in England and Bayern Munich.
IF YOU WEREN’T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
I’d like to be a singer however I haven’t got a superb voice. I’d like to be an actor nevertheless it’s extra about alternative (I feel I may make it). To be sincere, I feel I might be an Econ or Enterprise Econ main. I do not know what I do with that.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Profitable.
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