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ShareMUMBAI: Remember Leonardo Nascimento de Araùjo? That's the full name of Leonardo, the fast-moving former midfielder from Brazil. Representing the AC Milan under-18 team as part of Festa Italiana (organised by the Indo-Italian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), the 36-year-old was in his elements.
"It is good for the guys to come here as AC Milan's philosophy is not only to win matches but also to set a good example," said the player who is now an ambassador for the club.
Asked what the qualification of so many new teams from Africa and Asia to the 2006 World Cup in Germany implies, Leonardo quipped: "It proves what has happened to football of late. Football has certainly become more international and it is nice to have a big representation from Asia. It's now more of a physical and tactical game and even the European teams are finding it difficult to adjust."
But how is it that Brazil continues to improve, despite the changes in the world football?
"Big teams grow up in the competitions and Brazil are always the favourites, for they defy everything. To be the favourite is difficult but they are getting used to it," said the ex-member of the Samba squad. "Also the fact that most players play in the top European clubs helps a lot."
Being a Brazilian himself, how was his own experience playing in Italian Serie A for Milan?
"It's difficult to play in Italy as there is no space to manouevre. It's very different from Brazil and personal skills are very important," said the player who had two successful stints with the Rossoneri.
Looking back at his own career, Leonardo recalled the 1994 World Cup win in the United States as his most memorable moment. This despite the fact that he was red-carded in the tournament and missed crucial games as a result of the suspension.
"I wasn't a Pele or a Maradona. But I played in a good Brazilian team (which had stars like Romario and Bebeto) and when you play with big players you have to organise things for them," said Leonardo. "It wasn't easy playing in the World Cup in 1994 as we're under pressure having not won the tournament in 24 years," he added.
So how much does Leonardo know about Indian football?
"Not so much," he admitted.
However, Indians for sure know a lot about him and the crowd that had gathered at the Bombay Gymkhana on Tuesday to witness the handsome Brazilian in action were proof of the immense fan following he enjoys in the country.
The Samba Star
Age: 36
Position: Offensive Midfielder
Clubs: Flamengo, Sao Paolo, Valencia, Kashima Antlers, Paris Saint Germain, AC Milan
Titles: FIFA World Cup (1994), Confederations Cup (1997), Copa America (1997), Italian League (1999), Italian Cup (1997,2003), European Cup Winners Cup (1997), Intercontinental Toyota Cup (1993)
