Welcome you to Zenit Nino! Firstly, can you tell us how to pronounce your name correctly?
Good evening and I'm happy to be here too! It’s pronounced Nino, with an emphasis on the I.
But your name is Marcilio Florencio Mota Filho, when did you become Nino?
My name is the same as my father’s name and when I was little, the other kids I played football with had a hard time saying “Marcilio” and my dad always called me Nino, which is short for menino or boy, this is quite common in Brazil. In the end, everyone around me started calling me that and it made life easier for everyone (smiles). Someone once said to me: “One day you’ll play abroad, and with a name like Nino it will be easier for everyone.”
Tell us how the move to Zenit came about, what did you know about our club and did you chat with anyone beforehand?
There were a number of things that influenced my decision. Mostly Zenit’s attitude, which showed me they really wanted me and saw me as a definite part of their starting lineup. The representatives from St. Petersburg were very respectful with Fluminense, my previous club, and this was extremely important for me. I spoke with Malcom, whom I know from the Brazilian Olympic team. He said many very positive things about the city and the club, he said that he was happy here and that I would be too. Plus, I know Claudinho, who I also played with in the Olympic team. They all said that I should come, and that William de Oliveira and the other Brazilians here who would definitely help me.
Who do you know best from Zenit’s Brazilian players? Probably Claudinho?
Yes, he’s the only current Zenit player I’ve played with before, but I’ve shared a locker room with Claudinho.
That was in the Olympic team, right?
Yes, absolutely right, at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
You arrived at the club a few days ago and you’ve had a couple of training sessions. What are your first thoughts of the club?
I’ve been welcomed very warmly by the players, the coaching staff, and the management. They treated me very well. The training sessions here are tough, which I expected. I’ve been impressed by the conditions here, everything is at the highest level. Everything’s been exactly as I expected and I am very happy!
What are your strengths as a player?
I think technique, passing, speed. I think of myself a quick player and a reader of the game. These are my stand-out qualities, in my opinion.
What are your aims for yourself at Zenit?
Firstly, I want us to become win the league this season. It would also be great to start speaking Russian as soon as possible. I hope that I will have an excellent relationships with my teammates, coaches and the fans.
Have you leaned any phrases in Russian?
Ya lublu Zenit! (I love Zenit!)
What would you like to say to the Zenit fans?
I will do everything I can to help Zenit get as many wins as possible, I will represent this club in the best possible way and I’m counting on your support.
