World Sport News

Brazilian attacking midfielder, “Juventus” Diego in an exclusive interview for FIFA. com answered reporters' questions about his adaptation of Italian football, the chances of “Inter” to win Serie A and go about his chances at the 2010 World Cup.

Diego for a few months in “Juventus”, you must have noticed and have already experienced the difference between Italian and German football. Which ones are most striking?

most important difference – the command itself. This is a great team, and when we encounter on the field with other teams feel the difference in discipline, and in a spirit of moral and physical players. Distinguished himself and football, and I do not think he is as good as in Germany.

you are satisfied with Italy and “Juventus”?

While I truly enjoy your stay in this country and the team. I made a fantastic reception, and I enjoy everyday life in the “Juventus”. This is a huge club and I'm really happy. Of course, given the level of the club, we still have to improve. Such a command like this to win every week, and we always strive for the main goal.

Who of the players to stay in Italy, you caught the eye more than others?

(without hesitation) It's Buffon, and not just as a player but as a public person. He – a special figure in Italy, and on the same team with such a strong man is a real treat. What is really striking – that it all making great strides, whether it's some kind of tactical issues, or just a minor detail.

“Inter”, it seems, this season has all chances to win the Serie A. A “Juventus” is ready to challenge?

I think the “mission possible”. One has only to compare the quality of the team ever since we came into the team. In “Inter” is a quality team, but not nearly as good as I can see and “Juventus”. Of course, we will face them in one of the final games, but on the condition that they not lose their position in the league. And even though he is only at the beginnings of his coaching career, our boss Ciro Ferrara knows Italian football inside out. So I think we are quite ready to compete for the title winner.

In recent years, “Juventus” was not observed so many Brazilians as the “Inter”, “Roma” and “Milan.” This circumstance makes it special and gives you an advantage over them?

Personally I have always been proud that I am Brazilian, and really, what this team I represent my country makes me happy. Currently, there I am, Felipe Melo, Amauri, and so far we feel important to this team.

“And even though he is only at the beginnings of his coaching career, our boss Ciro Ferrara knows Italian football inside out. So I think we are quite ready to compete for the title winner,”

Your name was in the final list of contenders for the title of FIFA Player of the Year. Is there any news about it?

It's really great, and when you hear this, do not believe that all this can happen is you, it gives additional motivation and incentive for achievement. It turns out that the knowledge that you are respected, it is very useful.

What impact on your chances for a ticket to Africa in the Brazilian national team will play for your one of Europe's giants – Turin “Juventus”?

Dunga knows what I can and know that I can give to the team. Of course, what I'm doing, “Juventus” may carry more weight than my past accomplishments, but I think Dunga knows my real capabilities.

By now, you think you have enough opportunities to prove themselves in Selecao ?

I think I took full advantage of all the data I capabilities, such as the Olympics, even though we did not win. I have never had a feeling that I had let myself. I could feel their only successful periods in the Selecao, while working under the direction and Carlos Alberto Parreira, and Dunga. If you want to play in the national team, you should never stop working and be professionals, and then you only need to wait and see what comes of it.

“Of course, what I'm doing,” Juventus “may carry more weight than my past accomplishments, but I think Dunga knows what I can offer”

very unusual these days to see a player like you – I mean a classic number 10, which just plays into the central midfield position. Do you think in a short time the position of so-called “playmaker” (a football player, whose name they do not know very many coaches) become obsolete themselves in the future?

I do not think so! You can always find space for creativity, especially if you are good technically but still in good physical shape. This position will never die and the players will always be able to play in this position. Today, if you want to play this role, you should be able to think fast, and before you appear at the foot of the ball, they should know that you will do with it. Still, you must have good communication and see the space created by your hitters and a good understanding of their movements, and, of course, need to be able to take risks.

As a child, based on what the players “your” football? And who are those players you admire in today's game?

Since I was a kid I was obsessed with games, and had a lot of players that I admired, above all, it was players such as Ray and Ronaldo. But I've never built a style of play or the example of someone in them. I have always tried to develop his own style of play through a long and hard work and honing their skills. As for the modern football, there are many good players and not just playing my position, but I must say that today lionel messi is in a truly perfect form.

Jan Litvinchuk, Down-the-line.com

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