Tell us a little about your career so far…
I started playing futsal (indoor football) at Tijuca Tennis Club. I was doing well in training and a Vasco scout invited me to trials at the club. I succeeded and started my career there, at seven years old. I stayed until 2010, when my dad decided I should move to Flamengo.
Did you always play as a volante (defensive midfielder)?
Yes, I always played in midfield with the job of marking opponents and making the team play – as a segundo volante (box-to-box midfielder) or as a primer volante (holding midfielder). I have always played in this position.
How was the switch from Vasco to Flamengo? Was there any reaction that you shouldn’t have moved to a rival, or did it all go well?
I never had any problem. I still knew some friends from my days playing futsal, so I had no big problem. Everybody gave me a big welcome, I got to know the surroundings, the staff, everyone always made me feel at ease so I could get on with my work.
Having arrived in the academy at Flamengo, you won the Copa São Paulo and the Rio de Janeiro youth championship. Talk a little about these titles and how they helped your adaptation to senior level?
It was a good experience, which I will take with me for the rest of my life. It gave me the chance to move to the professional squad, with a great coach like Vanderlei Luxemburgo, and to play with great players like Thiago Neves, Ronaldinho, Léo Moura, Deivid and Vagner Love… Being a new player, it meant a lot to me. I will always remember it, for the rest of my career and I will continue to work to become a Flamengo idol soon.
On your debut in 2011, you replaced Ronaldinho. How did it feel to replace a star of his standing?
At first I didn’t believe it. I always liked playing with him in computer games, and now, to replace him in an official match was great for me, for my CV. He helped me a lot, both on and off the field. I am just thankful for the type of person he was. I was not disappointed at all. It is really important for me that I have worked with a three time World Player of the Year. It was a really cool experience.
With regards to Ronaldinho’s status. He was always with the boys from the academy, was he a kind of father-figure to you all?
Always, always. He was always a very quiet guy, very straightforward with others. He tried to show us what is right and wrong, from someone who has seen it all in football. He showed up the ropes and we could only follow. He is one of the best in the world, with him on our side we were calm about playing.
What about your last name? Luxemburgo tried o change it and call you Luiz Philipe, and now you are back to being Muralha (the wall) and don’t seem to care much about that. What’s the story?
Luxemburgo tried to change this name, because it is a bit aggressive. He tried, but I think the crowd had already got used to this ‘tribal’ name. I don’t care much about that, my business is to play football. I leave nicknames to the press and fans.
In 2012, you started to build a role in the Flamengo squad, starting four Libertadores games. How was that and how did you feel about being in the starting line-up?
It’s important, to have played in the Libertadores at 19 years old – not many players get that opportunity. It was a great experience and I learned a lot from the fine players around me, like Vagner Love or Léo Moura. It is a different type of competition, more competitive. It serves as a lesson so I can increasingly help the team on the pitch. Next time, we want the title.
How was the game in Guayaquil, for example, with the pressure of the fans and the different atmosphere?
As players, you need to be very ‘cold’. Of course there are always butterflies in your stomach, that’s normal, especially away from home. Then, in the Libertadores, a high-pressure game is normal. But, when the ball is in play, we are calm.
Now, you are no longer a starter under Joel Santana. How confident are you of recovering your place, whether it be with Joel Santana or a new coach?
I am staying calm about that. I am always just training hard all week, that is how I will win back my place. I need to maintain consistency, help the group however I can and train hard. I think this is the way I will win back my place.
And a move to Europe? Have you thought about this?
First I need to make my name at Flamengo. After, if there is an opportunity, I would like to play in Europe. I think it is the dream of all players to go there. It would be very important for me, even just for the experience. I have thought about it, yes. But, not for the moment.
Have there been any approaches, proposals?
I don’t think so, but my advisor and agent deal with that. I leave that to them and get on with playing football.
What about your relationship with the other youth products at Flamengo, such as Luiz Antonio, Thomás and now Adryan? Do you bring a sting bond with you from the academy?
Of course. We shouldn’t waste this bond and this friendship from a lot of time playing together. We will have that for life. We have become a family and take that from the academy to the seniors, transmitting to the older players who we play with also. They feel this happiness. That is, we must play our game, do what we like to do and always play with happiness.
And the coaches? How was working with Luxemburgo and Joel Santana?
I have nothing to say of those two, only to thank them. I am only 19 and to already have the chance to work with two experienced coaches is a privilege – Luxemburgo, who coached Real Madrid, and Joel, who recently coached South Africa… They are two good coaches and I had good experiences working with them. I just thank them and reap the rewards of the time I had working with them.
What about your relationship with the more experienced players? You already said that Ronaldinho was welcoming. But, what of the others, like Vagner Love or Léo Moura?
There is no different treatment, we are all treated the same. That’s what makes our group so happy, always laughing. Equal treatment is what makes the difference.
And what was your most remarkable game for Flamengo?
The game with Cruzeiro (which Flamengo won 5-1 in the 2011 Brasileirão), where I came on and made two assists for Thiago Neves to score. Thanks to God, I came on in that game and made a big impact, it was really good. And in the game with Emelec also, in the Libertadores (1-0 win), when the fans sang my name.
And how did you feel, hearing them sing?
It was different. Hearing the Flamengo supporters cheering your name is the dream of any player and I am grateful for that.
And the atmosphere at the club. Things have been a little troubled with all the media speculation about a change of coach. Are the players fazed?
No, the group are calm. If Joel has to leave, we will miss him, and if he stays, we will be chilled. He is someone who is giving us belief, who is always joking with us…. But, in the end, we just pay football. We will treat whoever is with us well.
To finish, what are your expectations for the future? How do you view the team’s development. They are on track, or something is missing?
We are right at the start of the championship, it’s normal that we are not in top gear. We have to take it slow and keep evolving. We must stay calm and keep working, then we will be alright.
Translation: Christopher Atkins
