The spectacular right foot of goalkeeper Rogério
sambafoot.com
What was it that motivated you to become a goal keeper?
[photo=entceni.JPG id=133 align=right]Rogério Ceni
I always liked soccer. When I was young I worked at the Bank of Brazil and we played informally, frequently. My boss was the goal keeper, one day he was unavailable so I substituted for him. I started to play that day, and as I got good they would not let me leave. I started to train, and was invited to play for Sinop Futebol Clube, where I spent 6 months, later I had a trial for São Paulo and here I am today.
sambafoot.com
Where did you get the idea to take free kicks and attack? Was it a coach who encouraged you to attack for the first time?
Rogério Ceni
Our team was struggling to obtain goals, so I started to train at it alone, without asking for anyone’s authorization. Then in 97, our coach told me to attack, I beat, the defenders, and it was almost goal, and consequently almost one month later I scored my first goal.
sambafoot.com
Are you aiming to beat Chilavert’s goal record?
Rogério Ceni
That is not necessarily my objective not, but it would be nice if I to continue to score. So anything is possible, but it is not a personal objective, its not necessary.
sambafoot.com
You have been at São Paulo for 10 years, have you thought of leaving for a new club?
Rogério Ceni
I have never had too, because I play for one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, without a doubt. São Paulo is a club that I adore where I have lots of history. Some offers and proposals have appeared from time to time, but I feel very happy here and have 3 more years on my contract with the club. So I at least want to fulfil these 3 years, after that, who knows, to finish my career in another country, another place?
sambafoot.com
You have an impressive list of titles already won. Are there any titles objectives that you are missing, that you would like to win before the end of your career?
Rogério Ceni
Only to win as many titles as possible! I find that I am never satisfied with passed victories. We always have to look for more and to want more trophies. Each year that passes we try to win more and more things, especially as we have such a good team and structure at the club right now. Now is out time!
Recommended links:
The Rogério Ceni card
All about São Paulo FC
The special week of São Paulo in sambafoot.com:
Paulo Autuori aims for world club championship victory
Morumbi: a football temple which looks towards the future
The world advent of São Paulo FC
