Bayern Munich star Dante has described club icon and fellow Brazilian Lúcio as his role model.
The 29-year-old has been one of the best players for the Bavarians this season, helping the German giants remain en-route for a treble title win.
Lúcio, now at São Paulo, was a hugely influential figure during his five-year spell at the Allianz Arena and Dante revealed his respect for his fellow native’s attitude.
“Lúcio was my main role-model,” the central defender told Bundesliga.com. “I admired his personality and character.
“His attitude was superb. I liked the aggression and whole-heartedness he always brought to his game. That’s why he was my main role model.”
Following a successful campaign at Borussia Mönchengladbach, the defender was bought for an estimated fee of €4.7 million last summer.
Dante is revelling in his rise from being worried about relegation to being on the verge of lifting the Bundesliga trophy.
He added: “Two years ago I was still battling relegation with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Now two years on I might be winning the Bundesliga title. It is a dream come true.”
The Brazilian is a newcomer to international football, having earned his first cap against England, and has again been called up by Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of friendlies against Italy and Russia in March, which Dante is thrilled about.
“It means an awful lot to me – everything to me,” he continued. “It’s my dream. To us Brazilians it means so, so much.”
Source: Goal.com
