Talented striker, who dreams of featuring for the national team, wants to perform in the Champions League. He believes he’ll have such a chance.
The White-Blues Brazilian newcomer was brought up in the family of sportsmen. Moraes got the football talent from his father and elder brother.
- Junior, your father was a famous football player, mother played tennis and brother also went in for football. Did you decide to follow the family tradition?
- Sure, and I’m very happy I chose football. When my father played mother took me and my brother to his matches. Unfortunately I was too small to remember that, but when we grew up football became our life.
- Was you favourite team the one your father played for?
- Of course. He performed for Santos and Flamengo. I like both teams. As for me, Santos have always been my #1 club as I became a football player there.
- Didn’t football prevent you from studying properly at school?
- It was a difficult period for me as it took me an hour and a half to get to school. Anyway it’s good I graduated no matter how difficult it was.
- Is that true that you used to train alongside Robinho at the academy?
- That’s true. He’s my brother’s best friend, so we spent much time together. He’s very cheerful.
- Do you think your career is moving in the right direction?
- I had both ups and downs. When I started featuring for Santos they said I was a really good player. We became Paulista (Brazilian state) champions and I even scored in the final.
The following year we got new head coach, who didn’t like my father, so I had little game practice. Besides he didn’t let me change the club.
- Was moving to Europe a right decision?
- It was. My first stop was Romania. I knew nothing about this country, but I think it was a right choice. I had game practice and scored a lot. Anyway it was only the start of my way as I dream of featuring for Brazil national team.
- Do you think it’s possible at the moment?
- It’s possible. Of course competing is fierce, but I’m sure it’s all in my hands!
- Your transfer to Ukraine was scandalous…
- There was a conflict between Gloria Bistrița and Metalurh Donetsk. It concerned money. Eventually I became a free agent.
- Then you joined CSKA Sofia. Still that transfer offer wasn’t the only one.
- That’s right. Other clubs were interested in me too, but I decided to join CSKA.
- Eventually you moved to Ukraine. Why did you choose FC Metalurh Donetsk?
- Their transfer offer was the most attractive. The team is young and ambitions. They have great training complex and nice stadium.
- Do you feel comfortable in Ukraine?
- I do. I don’t think I’ve wasted 2,5-3 years here.
- Is Kyiv more comfortable for foreigners than Donetsk?
- Kyiv is a great city and it’s comfortable to live here. Still the team felt more comfortable in Donetsk.
- Do you communicate with other Brazilians in Kyiv?
- I have really good relationship with Betao as we featured for Santos together. I also communicate with Danilo Silva and Shakhtar players.
- Scoring against which team do you like the most?
- Scoring is always a pleasure! That’s my job.
- Don’t old injuries bother you?
- Fortunately I’m totally fine today.
- Are you going to stay in Ukraine?
- I really like this country, but situation in Donetsk makes me feel upset… War is terrible for any state. Anyway I have nothing against staying in Ukraine! Still if I get some transfer offers I won’t reject them.
