Newcomer of the blue and whites David Ricardo spoke about the adaptation in the team, physical fitness, an unusual number and his idols.
– How are your first days in Russia? What's your main impression of Moscow?
– They've been very productive. I'm gradually getting used to it; I've never trained in such cold weather before. But the main thing is that my teammates and the club staff have welcomed me well, which means it will be easier for me to adjust to everything and play my best football. Moscow is a very beautiful city. Unfortunately, I haven't had time to see anything yet, but I really want to.
– This year, Moscow has broken all records for the amount of snow. Have you seen it before?
– So, I was lucky (laughs). No, I've never seen snow before. But in Brazil, as kids, we even joked that every footballer dreams of playing in the snow. That's a funny dream that will soon come true for me, and it's great. When I saw snow for the first time, I felt like a kid again. I'm very happy and enjoying every minute here, as is my family.
– You've been with the team for over a month now. How have you settled into your new team? Who do you spend the most time with?
– I've been very warmly received. Of course, there's a language barrier, but I'm adapting very well. I'm currently studying English and have already learned a few words of Russian. Obviously, I spend more time with the Brazilians—Artur, Rubens, and Bitello, who live near me. But I hope, with time, I'll learn the language and be able to communicate with all the guys.
– Did the fact that so many of your compatriots play here influence your decision to join Dynamo?
– Maybe it did, but not much. Even if there weren't a single Brazilian here, I would still have come to Dynamo; it's a very good club. Of course, the presence of compatriots helps, and I hope that together with them we will write a new page in the club's history.
– Who were you named after?
– When my mother was pregnant, everyone thought it would be a girl, not a boy. So when I was born, everyone was surprised, and my father had to quickly choose a name. His idol was David Beckham, and I was named after him.
– Tell me about your football career. Who first instilled in you a love of the game?
– I've loved football since childhood; my whole family adores it. We even have a team where some relatives play. All my friends dreamed of becoming professional footballers, but I was the only one who made it. My father also played football, so I had no other plans. Thank God, everything worked out.
– Who was your childhood idol?
– Neymar. I still love him very much and can call him my idol. Last year, I had the opportunity to play for Botafogo against his Santos team, and I couldn't believe I was living my dream. I took lots of photos and got his autograph. I hope he can return to the national team and help Brazil win the World Cup.
– In one of the latest photos on your social media, you're greeting Brazilian national team legend Thiago Silva. Did you know that he also came to Dynamo early in his career?
– I found out about it here, when they showed me his photo. I can also call him my idol, and I was lucky enough to play against him last year. Now I have a jersey with his autograph hanging at home. It's a shame he never played for Dynamo; I hope I do better here than he did.
– You worked with Carlo Ancelotti's son at Botafogo. Will he become a legendary coach like his father?
– I'm almost certain he'll be a very good coach. It's hard to say whether he'll reach the same heights as his father, because Carlo Ancelotti is a true legend who won everything. As for Botafogo, this is Davide's first independent stint, and I really enjoyed his training sessions. He's learned a lot from his father, and I really hope he succeeds.
– You spent a long time getting into shape during training camp. Tell me about your physical condition? Are you ready to play on Sunday?
– First, I had a vacation with my family, and then a very short training session in Brazil, since the season starts very early there. So, I needed time to get used to everything and adapt. Now I can say that I'm ready, but whether I'll play and for how long will be up to the head coach. I really want to play.
– What can you say about your competitors in Dynamo's central defense: Osipenko, Fernandez, and Marichal?
– They're very good players and good people. I'm happy to be on the same team with them. Besides them, I'd also like to mention the club's academy graduates Leon (Zaydenzal) and Kirill (Isaev). It's clear there's competition for a place on the field. I really want to win it and be in the starting lineup to play my best football.
– What other positions are you ready to fill, if necessary?
– I always played left-back at the academy, but when I turned professional, I was moved to center. At Botafogo, I played both left wing and left or right center back. I'm ready to play in any position, the main thing is to help the team climb the table and win a trophy.
– You have an unusual number — 57. No one has ever worn it in an official match at Dynamo. Tell us why you chose it.
– I started playing under it at Botafogo. In my city, we live in a neighborhood called 57, and our team is also called 57. It makes me feel closer to my family.
– You said you fulfilled two dreams last year — playing at the Maracanã and playing against Neymar. What's your next football dream?
– Winning a trophy with Dynamo. I hope it'll be the Russian Cup this year!