Gabriel Sara was one of the new faces to arrive at Norwich City in the last window, with Championship side signing him from São Paulo.
When the deal was agreed between the two clubs, the 23-year-old was in the process of regaining full fitness from an injury he suffered against Wilstermann in the Copa Sudamericana in April.
Lack of game time for a few months made it difficult for the midfielder to settle quickly at Norwich. UOL Esporte have had a chat with the player, and he opened up about the tough time he went through earlier this season.
“When I arrived at Norwich it was difficult. I was in transition after the surgery. I felt my ankle failing, it was a difficult process,” he said.
“I arrived with high expectations, I was trying my best, but it was difficult. I didn’t play much in Brazil, I had injuries and now that I’ve recovered my game rhythm I’m back in a better phase. It was difficult, but they gave me all the structure I needed here.”
The Brazilian was initially handed minutes from the bench, and then he was regularly included in Norwich’s starting lineup since October. He’s made 16 appearances in all competitions for the Canaries, and this includes six league starts.
“I was happy with my song. The fans here are very different from the Brazilians. They are calmer, I even joke with my girlfriend because she is screaming all the time and it is not their normal,” Sara said.
During the Brazilian’s time at São Paulo, he played under Fernando Diniz, who is currently the head coach of Fluminense. Sara detailed the role his former manager has had in his career and has publicly admitted he wants to play under Diniz again in the future.
“I don’t even know what to say about Diniz, he was a father [figure] to me. The guy is special in every way: tactically and personally. He doesn’t give up on a player, he believes in the person that a player is. He was essential for my career, for my growth,” the Norwich player added.
“Even when I came to England, I was at the airport and he called me to talk about it. He showed me lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. God willing, I want to work together with him again.”
Sara was also asked about the possibility of returning to São Paulo in the future.
“For sure [I think about defending São Paulo again]. Sometimes I think about my future, going back to São Paulo one day, and my girlfriend even jokes saying that it’s too early, that I just have to think about it later on. One day I will return, and I will fulfil all my dreams there,” he stressed.
