Vasco's Juninho reveals his inspiration is fellow veterans Clarence Seedorf and Deco
By Tom Etherington 2012-09-30 14:40:00
Juninho returned to Vasco in 2011 - Action Images
Juninho has revealed that he draws inspiration from fellow veterans Clarence Seedorf and Deco, following his goal and two assists during Vasco da Gama’s 3-1 win over Figueirense.
The 37-year-old, who has been playing professionally for more than 20 years, set up Luan to cancel out Caio's opener before his precise cross allowed Carlos Tenorio to make it 2-1 at Rio's São Januário stadium.
The 2002 World Cup winner then put the result beyond doubt by scoring his 13th goal of the season, with a thumping 20-metre shot into the top corner.
Juninho’s strike means he has now scored the same number of goals as he did at Vasco in 1996, when he was just 21 years old.
The former Lyon star said: "I have been taking good care of myself and feel like I am in good form.
"I get inspiration from guys like Seedorf, Deco and also Fred and Dede, who are the top players in this competition. I want to be at their level.
"I came back to Vasco to be a part of a successful team, not to spend the last days of my career. I think that I can still contribute over 90 minutes and that's what I have been concentrating on doing."
Vasco remain fourth in the Brasileiro league standings, just two points behind third-placed Gremio, who have a game in hand.
Juninho has already won Serie A twice, the Copa Libertadores and Copa Mercosul during his previous six-year spell at Vasco.
During that time he played 295 games and scored 60 goals for the club, which he has surpassed since returning in April 2011.
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