Interview with a rising-star: Diego (Palmeiras)

Here, the youngster shares his experiences with Sambafoot.

Describe for us your experiences over the last month at the Copa São Paulo. What can you take from the experience?

For me the Copinha was good. It was my second time playing and last year at Palmeiras we were eliminated straight away in the second round. This year we were more experienced, went further and even though we were eliminated we left with our heads held high.

Do you think that playing in this type of competition will benefit you in the future?

It helps a lot to catch the eye of the coaches at Palmeiras since usually the other youth competitions don't get as much attention, so this is a good chance to show our football. 

You scored five goals in the tournament, which was your favourite?

Of the five I think the first one was the prettiest.  

Out of your colleagues, who should our readers be looking out for in the coming years?

Our entire team was strong, and many impressed. But to mention a few, there is Bruno Dybal and Luiz Gustavo who have Seleção youth experience, and also Bruno Sabiá. All of them are talented and will bring joy to fans. 

Tell us a bit about your career to date, have you always been at Palmeiras?

I got to Palmeiras after being at Sao Paulo for 4 years. I decided to leave there and was on vacation when Palmeiras gave me a call since I was no longer attached with a team. I was a Palmeiras fan growing up so it made sense, and have now been there since 2010. 

Who were your idols growing up and who do you feel your game most resembles?

My main idol is now retired... the best for me was always and will always be Ronaldo, both in terms of football and his life story. But active today there are a few I admire, like D'Allesandro. 

You turned nineteen this month, what are your aims for the next twelve months?

I'll be returning from vacation soon and then it is all about working hard and waiting for an opportunity. Hopefully one will come in the first team, and until then I just need to keep improving and be patient.

Thanks to Rio Coimbra (@the_elastico) for conducting the interview