Grêmio striker André Lima has admitted he is not happy with the competition for places at the club but is willing to stay and fight for his place in Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s team.
Lima, 27, is into his third year in Porto Alegre and, despite scoring important goals last season, finds himself behind Marcelo Moreno, Willian José and Eduardo Vargas in the pecking order, with another striker, Kleber, about to recover from a long standing ankle injury.
But the former Vasco da Gama and Botafogo striker insists he will not sulk if he is not chosen.
“I’m not happy with being a reserve, but there is respect for the coach, and to my colleagues,” he told Globo Esporte.
“I am well. It’s on the pitch I have to show I can play. Not giving interviews or getting sulky. In three years I’ve never been number one.
“I help in making my goals and will fight the competition despite it being heavy. It is healthy for you when all your friends are here.”
Grêmio are in preparation for their vital Copa Libertadores playoff against LDU (Ecuador) on the 23rd January and, while Lima does not expect to start, he believes the squad are ready for the challenge.
“As a group, we are prepared. We feel the altitude at the beginning, but now everything is fine. I’m already counting the minutes, but the wait is part of the adaptation.”
Source: Globo Esporte
