What did Claudinho and Malcom tell you about St. Petersburg and the club? Have you got used to things yet?
They helped, I knew Malcom and Cluadinho well from the Brazilian Olympic team, I can say we’re close friends. They both always speak highly about St. Petersburg and Zenit. Speaking to them both was very interesting, and now I’m here I can see they were right. Claudinho being here has helped things a lot and made things simple for me.
What did you think of your debut? Having your first official match against a big rival in a full stadium is about as good as it gets right?
It was a very special moment for me and for my career. I made my debut in an important match in a packed stadium with great support from the fans… we wanted to win but unfortunately we didn’t manage to. I’m sure the fans will help us get a lot of wins in the future and we’ll make them as happy as possible.
Who do you speak with the most at the club, is it mostly the other Brazilians?
It’s understandable that I’m closest with the other Brazilian players, but I can tell you I also speak a lot with Ilzat Akhmetov and Strahinja Erakovic.
In English?
Yes, in English, but I will make every effort to start speaking Russian with the Russian players as soon as possible.
