Congratulations on the win! You came on as a substitute at half-time. How difficult was it to get into the game?
We knew Akhmat are a tough team and they showed it in the first half, they gave us a real contest. When I’m on the pitch my job is always the same, to help the team to the best of my abilities and to get the win!
How have the last 10 days been for you? We only heard today the news that you and Claudinho will be able to play against Chelsea.
Those were difficult days for us. Claudinho and I joined up with the Brazilian national team, and for both of us it’s a dream to play for Brazil. Then we returned to the club it looked like that we would not be able to play either for our country or our club. It was very difficult and sad and we felt it was unjust.
I spoke with my girlfriend about it and said that if I can’t play against either Akhmat or Chelsea, it would be one of the saddest things that’s happened to me. Fortunately, we got the letter this morning and I was told I can play. I was extremely happy, this is some of the best news I’ve ever received! The starting XI was decided yesterday, but I’m happy I was able to come on in the second half and help us get the win.
It’s Chelsea on Tuesday night, how are you feeling about it? Are you ready to go to Stamford Bridge?
We all know this will be a difficult match and we understand that we will need to defend a lot and look for chances on the counterattack. We will have to work twice as much as be twice as quick as we did today. But I am sure that we will have chances and we will try to take those chances.
