Manchester United midfielder Fred has made a decent start to life as a Red Devils player and the Brazilian has admitted playing well for the club is the only way to become a regular for the national team.
“I’ve watched loads of great players, but in my opinion the best players I’ve ever seen are not just my heroes, but heroes for all Brazilians. I’d say Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Romário are my favourite three players from the national team. The best Brazil side I’ve ever seen was the one that won the World Cup in 2002,” Fred told United Review when asked who his heroes from Brazil were.
With five World Cup titles, Brazil have won world football’s biggest prize more times than any other country, so it’s safe to assume that the South American nation is football crazy and Fred agrees.
“Like many people say, Brazil is the country of football – many kids there are sent to footballing schools by their parents; it’s as if they’re born with that passion to play the game.”
“Brazil has so many talented players, there are some great ones coming through right now, and there are some who are already at the top of their game, like Neymar and Philippe Coutinho. I think football is in the blood of all Brazilians.”
Putting on the iconic yellow jersey is a privilege afforded to a select few and Fred counts his stars that he’s been lucky enough to represent his county nine times so far.
“It’s an honour to wear the Brazil shirt, one which so many other talented players have worn. I’m really happy to have been involved in a World Cup, and I hope I can carry on doing my best with Brazil, wearing the famous yellow shirt. It’s a dream come true for me, and I hope I can keep playing for Brazil for many years to come.”
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Fred was in Tite’s final squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but failed to make a single appearance at the summer showpiece and has revealed that he was carrying an injury before the tournament even began.
“Unfortunately, I suffered an injury in the lead-up to the World Cup. I wanted to play in the World Cup – I think if I had been 100 per cent fit I could’ve played. But it was an incredible experience, just to be involved with the national team in a World Cup, like so many other players and legends had done so before me.”
The former Shaktar man was not called up for Brazil during the ongoing international break, but he’s not letting it bring him down.
“It was an honour for me, and like I said I want to be involved in World Cups in the future. I’ll keep working hard here at Manchester United so that the manager keeps picking me for the national team.”
While not as iconic as the No.7 jersey, the No.17 has been worn by many icons in the past and Fred expressed why he chose the particular number.
“I’ve always liked the number 17 – I think it goes back to my childhood in Brazil, when I’d wear number 7 or 17. I ended up becoming quite attached to this number, but it has no special meaning, it’s just a number I like a lot, and I’m sure I’ll do well with this number.”