Tell us a little about yourself, what do you do? What are your hobbies?
I'm 22 years old, I am Brazilian. I live in a fishing village in Beberibe in Ceara. I recently graduated in Biological Sciences, I love animals and environment then intend to work in NGO's or ecological reserves. Currently I help my parents in our family business. Speaking of family, it was them who awoke my interest in football when I was a child, though I never supported the team my father supports. Most of the time I get on the internet, and I'm trying to learn Russian, because I intend to visit Russia some day.
How did you first get interested in Zenit?
Everything really started with Kokorin and him joining Zenit, I was already a fan of his since 2014 and I was delighted when he joined Zenit. What also caught my attention was the fans and their cheering, they are incredible, screaming and shaking the Petrovsky Stadium, just like Brazilian supporters. Zenit are a great team, some people say it's ironic I support a Russian team and live in Brazil, the country of football. But Zenit are not so different from the best Brazilian teams, Zenit has the greatest fans in Russia, good players, a coach with great experience, everything a good team should have, so Zenit will always be my favourites now.
How do you feel about the Europa League, what’s your predictions?
Zenit should play every year in the Champions League, representing Russia in Europe's largest competition because they are the best team in the country, But I think we'll do well in the Europa League, Zenit can even win it , because we have a very good team and the other teams aren't playing the same level of football as us, but in football anything can happen. In this type of competition it is very important to be strong at home and have a good result away.
Lucescu is very intelligent and has a lot of experience in football and in this competition, he'll know what to do in each game.
Who’s your all-time favourite Zenit player? Who do you like in the current squad and why?
I know about the importance that Andrei Arshavin and Alexander Kerzhakov have in the history of Zenit, and I admire them for that. But my favourite player is Kokorin, I understand that many people criticize him, and I see it as a good thing if people do that because they know what he is capable of. All players have their ups and downs, this is normal. I was very happy when I read what Lucescu said he believes in the potential of Kokorin and highlighted that Kokorin is one of the best Russian players. Apart from Kokorin, I like Dzyuba because he is very good player too, always giving assists and scoring goals and of course he makes a good duo with Kokorin.
What’s your best Zenit memory?
For sure the Super Cup win was the best moment I have seen, a great debut from Lucescu, the winning goal coming from a Brazilian, and then to watch the celebration of the fans and players was very exciting. Zenit really deserved this victory.
What are you hoping for us this season?
Zenit are a team that is capable of being the best, Russia's number 1. So that's what I really hope that Zenit can win every game. I am very confident now that we have Giuliano on the team, he knows how to score a lot of goals and help the team. Our forwards are also very efficient and skilled, I feel like Oleg Shatov, Dzyuba and Kokorin are in sync. I know there is a lot competitiveness in the league, but I'm still betting firmly for the blue-white-sky blues.
Which areas of the squad would you like to see Zenit strengthen in? Who realistically should we be looking at signing?
Honestly, in my opinion Zenit has a good team and doesn't need any improving, they have been just a few errors that have disrupted the outcome of games. We can talk about the recent match with Tom, Zenit could have been better, but we won? Yes! But the score could be different.
I wanted Zenit came to Brazil to play here someday, that would be amazing.
You live in Beberibe. How would you describe this city for your fellow fans? What’s the local football like?
It's a small town, very quiet and people are very friendly and hospitable. It attracts many tourists throughout the year, it has eleven amazing beaches. Beberibe is one of the postcard places of Ceara. About football, we have no professional teams here, but many people play for amateur teams.
If Zenit fans plan to visit your part of the world what place is a must-see and what food should they try?
I live in a seaside town with beautiful beaches, so I recommend sun, sea, coconut water and seafood.
Do you know any other Zenit fans where you live or are you the only one?
No, I do not know anyone. I do actually participate in a group called " Fc Zenit St. Petersburg fans around the globe" (On facebook) that has a lot of Brazilians fans. But in my city, im the only one.
Do you have a message for the manager, The team and all the Zenit fans out there?
For fans I only have one thing to say that no matter how far you are from St. Petersburg, when our thousands of blue and white hearts beat together in the same vibrant rhythm, we are able to achieve the impossible. And I want to thank Zenit because even indirectly, I have meet many nice people who share the same feelings as me.For players I want to say that you are talented, efficient and always will be champions. For the director just have to thank you for all you do for Zenit. Mircea Lucescu, please continue with the good work you're doing and I wish all the best to you all. A hug from a Brazilian Zenit fan.
(I know that it is asking much, but i'd love to have a Zenit's shirt signed by Kokorin).
You can follow Leticia on: Instagram.com/__leleleh
";s:4:"TYPE";s:4:"HTML";}