– How do you explain your present form in Italy?
It is the fruit of lengthy work with the coach, my colleagues and my family. Everyone knew that I would need time because Brazilian and Italian football are different. We knew that it would take time. But gradually, we are harvesting the fruits of our work and persistence.
– You have therefore evolved in a few months .. But in what sense?
I managed to adapt to the intensity and dynamics of play here in Italy. The intensity is not the same in Brazil. The pace is more matured, you must be at the top for 90 minutes. You need to be 100% to make a difference. It was new to me. I also had to learn to work without the ball, move myself. When you have the ball, you are closely marked
– Lazio is having a good season with the Champions League in sight. What are the goals of the club?
The Champions League is our first goal. We want to finish in third place. That was the goal at the beginning of the season.
– There are many Brazilians at AS Roma, the rival club. Are you in regular contact with them?
I see them at times, but more by chance, in an airport, at a restaurant. I do not know them well, they are not really my friends. But I wish them well!
– In the last game, your coach compared you to Cristiano Ronaldo .. Nice right?
I am honored. This is a sign that my work is recognized. Being compared to the best player in the world is something very important. We have an excellent coach, really.
– You played with Neymar at Santos. how is he off the pitch?
He is quite a normal guy, we talks from time to time. Less since a year and a half and his arrival in Europe. I’m glad to see him at this level, he really deserves.
– For 2015, what can we wish you? The Seleção?
I recently joined the selection espoir in October during the tour in China. We were champions. I want to continue to be retained, it’ll be the case if I continue to do my job. It looked like a turning point for me: after the selection success, I scored 5 goals in 5 games with Lazio and offered 4 assists. My dream is to compete at the next Olympic Games in Brazil.
– The next match of the Seleção will be against France in late March. Do you feel ready for a first selection?
It’s hard to say. I am going through a good phase now in Italy, in a complicated championship. This is an advantage for me to distinguish myself in a big European club because I have learned the tactical requirements necessary. I do not put pressure on myself, the most important thing is to help my teammates here at Lazio. The rest will come naturally.
– Tell us a bit about your characteristics .. What makes the difference in the Calcio?
I am a fast player. Before in Brazil, I do not use it to the maximum because I barely moved without the ball. Now I know that if I get the ball, I have a good chance to make a difference.
– Do you know a little about Ligue 1?
Yes, it’s a harder league physically, more contact. The Italian league is more tactical. It is a beautiful championship with very good players.
– Is PSG a club that you admire?
Yes I love this club. There are a lot of Brazilians there. Marquinhos I know, he is a great defender. PSG play a beautiful game, I like to see their games.
– A club in the world that makes you dream?
All players would defend Barca. But I do not like to project, I focus on the present.
– The player that inspires you the most?
I like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo. These are two players who can play without the ball, their movement is spectacular!
