West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena took part in a pretty enoyable Q&A with former teammates this week.
Invited by ESPN Brasil, he was interviewed by his former teammates from Corinthians, who recorded some questions about his new life in London.
The first to ask was winger Clayson, who wanted to know if Balbuena continues to play poker with teammates.
“Actually, nobody here plays poker. So I can’t take anyone’s money, they’re all cheap, just like you. But you will soon have the opportunity to pay me when I return to Brazil.”
Then goalkeeper Cássio asked the defender if he still listens to Rock’n’Roll, especially a Brazilian band called CPM22, which he introduced to him, and if he’s been to any concerts in London.
“Yes, I always listen to rock, it will never disappear, it’s our essence. Unfortunately I have not been able to go to any concerts yet, because the season is very tight. But yes, I’ll have a moment for me soon. And CPM22 is always with me, on my phone.”
Right-back Fagner quizzed Balbuena if he’s also the king of jokes at West Ham, since he used to call his teammates nicknames at Corinthians.
“Not really. It’s my first year here and, just like in Brazil, the first year was to learn, and in the second year I’ll start with that. But, sure, yes, I’m going to terrorise here, too.”
Finally, midfielder Ralf asked if Balbuena’s English is good enough in case his old teammates go to England and need any help from the defender.
“I’m getting better, I’m getting better. Need to tune a little bit. I’m just like Romero’s Portuguese there, more or less. But we’ll get better.”
Balbuena played for Corinthians for two and a half years, and won a Brazilian league for the club. He left for West Ham in a €4m deal last summer.
