Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has taken part in a Question & Answer session with supporters on the club’s website, responding to those who sent in their questions.
Rafael, 22, was a member of the Brazil party that won a silver medal at this summer’s Olympic Games and is thought to be amongst the group of players being considered for the 2014 World Cup.
Asked about the pressure of playing for his country at the tournament ahead, Rafael responded that he hoped to play a part, but that there would be an enormous expectation on the team.
“There’s always pressure for Brazil in any tournament, but having it in Brazil will mean massive pressure there,” he answered. “I think it’s only the second time we have hosted the World Cup, so it has been a long time and now the feeling is growing over there. We have the Olympics after that too, so it’s great. For me it would be a dream to play for Brazil in the World Cup – it’s always a dream to play for your country.
“I hope I can play many games here at United, be champions and then hopefully I will be there for the World Cup.”
Regarding the Olympic Games, Rafael added that he was: “Disappointed because we didn’t get the gold. It’s good to have a medal, of course, and great to have played at the Olympics, but it’s always the case that when Brazil goes into a competition, we are expected to win and we expect to win.”
