West Ham star Felipe Anderson has been interviewed by Brazilian newspaper O Estado de São Paulo this week.
With a story focused on his form at West Ham and his wish to be called up for the Brazilian national team, the midfielder has talked about his adaptation to London and his good form at the club.
The Brazilian reckons that there’s been some pressure after being signed from Lazio in a €38m deal in the summer, but says it also motivates him.
“To arrive the way I did, it increases the responsibility, the expectation of all, but at the same time gives you confidence and obligation to play and show your value. That’s the way I’m facing it,” Felipe Anderson told Estadão.
“Playing in Italy helped me a lot to grow tactically. The function that I performed in Lazio required a lot of commitment in this sense, of help in marking, of positioning. I evolved a lot, which was natural, since I left Santos very young.”
“Here the game is more tactically docked and more physical as well. But the tricky thing is that there is no easy game. The level of competitiveness is very high, so it’s a very good feeling when you can stand out. It’s the strongest league in the world.”
Felipe Anderson has also praised the crowds and the many stars in the Premier League, something that has always been a dream for him.
“It is very motivating to always see the crowded stadium and a qualified opponent on the other side with big names. I’m really enjoying this moment. The joy of being on the pitch and being able to show my football here is huge. I’m fulfilling a dream.”
But there’s another dream on the horizon. On an opportunity to play for Brazil, the midfielder explains that succeeding in the Premier League should be important for Tite to name him.
“I can’t deny that being able to stand out in English football increases my expectation of a chance at the national team. It’s a dream, a career goal, and I’m going to stay focused so that it happens naturally.”
