Being the most famous (and maybe only) Brazilian footballer in Wales, Fabio da Silva was invited by Sportv to talk about the national team before the Euro 2016 semifinal against Portugal.
The 25-year-old, who has been playing for Cardiff since 2014, says the country’s success is not a surprise, as they have many individual talents to lead the squad.
“I know the guys and I’m not surprised. They are good, one of the best teams Wales have ever had. I don’t think, I’m sure it’s the best team they have ever had. With Bale, Ramsey from Arsenal and all. They have a very good defence with Williams. It’s a very good team, they have great chances of getting far in the Euro.”
“I feel at ease. The fans like me very much there and it makes me very comfortable. Not only the fans, but everyone at the club. We made a good season this year. We could’ve done better. We finished 8th, and the sixth qualified for the playoffs. We won important games against top teams, but against the lower teams we had not so good performances. I think if we improve this year and have better performances against the teams who are considered to be smaller, we have great chances of promotion.”
The reporter also commented on the time when he and his brother Rafael signed for Manchester United, as they were still 16-year-old teenagers in Brazil and were spotted by Sir Alex Ferguson’s club. Fabio was questioned about what the boss had seen in them, and he said:
“I think Alex Ferguson liked us because of our determination. The Brazilians would go there and be lazy and such, I don’t think that’s all of them, but it’s how it was seen. And my brother and I were very determined there. Because I think the talent of Brazilian football can’t be compared to the Europeans, it’s another football.”
So the reporter asked: “Do you think we have more talent than them?”
Fabio replied: “You can’t even compare it. We lack determination and will. It will be cold, you will have trouble, you will stay away from the family. Brazilians are very warm people, always close to friends and family. They don’t have much of it there, so for them, this is not normal. But it’s difficult for the Brazilian to live there too, because you won’t have it there. I think Alex Ferguson saw a lot of that in us and liked it.”
