Brazilian newcomer Dynamo Rubens spoke about his football career, friendship with the Hulk and his first impressions of the Russian championship.
— Tell us a little about your childhood. How did you manage to break into big football?
— I lived with my mother in a very small Brazilian town of Tumiritinga, which is located in the state of Minas Gerais. My father died when I was only two months old. Mom remarried, and her new husband helped me a lot – he did a lot for me, and not only what related to football. However, so are my brother and sister.
I started playing football in my hometown at Juventude school. After some time, he moved to another football school, which was located in the neighboring town of Governador-Valadaris. Then there was a school in the city of Ipatinga, where I already played in the Minas Gerais State Championship among teams under 15. After spending eight months there, in 2016 I received an offer from the junior team of Atletico Mineiro, and before joining Dynamo I was an Atletico player.
It was a very cool story. Both before and after joining Atletico, a lot of things happened to me. My family lived very modestly, I was not spoiled as a child, times were not easy, but my family has a big heart, so I did everything. I always remember these people with great warmth, because they helped me become the person you see now.
— What idols did you have as a child?
— I've always liked Messi and Neymar.
— You have spent your entire career at the same club, why did you decide to go to Europe this summer?
— I wanted to go to Dynamo and play in Russia, but before Atletico Mineiro did not want to let me go. Therefore, my wish was fulfilled only now, when my former club finally gave permission to transfer. Although I would like to be in Dynamo earlier.
— At Atletico, you played for several years with Hulk, once a former star of the Russian championship. What did he tell you about our country?
— We talked a lot with Hulk about life in Russia. He said that this is a very beautiful country where it is good and safe to live, not like in Brazil. He said only good things, including about Moscow. If we take football, then Hulk noted that Russian football is different from Brazilian football, but for me there will be no problems with adaptation, because my football qualities will be in demand in Russia.
— He is famous for his strong and accurate punches, did you take lessons from him?
— Yes, I also have a strong blow, but not like him. The Hulk is an anomaly. Actually, I've never seen such a strong blow in my life. I was surprised by him throughout my career.
— Do you have tattoos with Hulk and Neymar, why did you decide to do them?
— Hulk is a person who has always helped me and given me a lot of advice. This concerns both football and some vital issues - he did a lot for me, we experienced a lot of good moments. As for Neymar, he has always been my idol, and at the beginning of this year I had a chance to play against him. I just couldn't miss the opportunity and got a tattoo to remember this moment.
— Which of the football players will be next depicted on your body?
— While I have no plans to do tattoos with some football players. Maybe if I played against Messi, I would get a tattoo with him.
— You made your debut in the match against Krasnodar, how would you rate your debut? How hard was it physically?
— I'm very tired. I had a very long trip from Brazil, then we went to Krasnodar, and I have never felt so tired during a match. But that's okay. I haven't trained or played for a while, but now I'm getting used to the Russian championship.
— What impression did the champion of Russia make?
— This is a good team with quality players, but it doesn't look like some kind of monster that we can't beat. We have every opportunity to beat Krasnodar. We will try to do it in the cup match. Of course, in Krasnodar we could have shown a better result, but Cordoba found a good moment to strike, and unfortunately we conceded. However, I repeat, we are able to beat Krasnodar.
— Ahead of your first match at the Dynamo home arena, have you already managed to inspect it?
— Unfortunately, I haven't been to our stadium yet. When I was in Brazil and they sent me a video from it, I immediately realized that this is a very beautiful and modern stadium with good infrastructure. I hope that after the match with Krasnodar I will leave the stadium in a good mood.
— In Russia, Rubens used to be associated with the famous Dutch artist Peter Rubens and the racer Rubens Barrichello. Which of them is closer to you?
— Rubens Barrichello. He's fast on the racetrack, and I'm fast on the football field.
— Do you like fast driving?
— I don't watch races very often, unlike football. I also like basketball and football.
— You will soon become a father of many children at the age of 24! With what feelings are you waiting for the birth of twins?
— At the moment we need to play more to earn more for the family (laughs). Of course, I am very happy, although we did not expect that there would be twins. We are really looking forward to their birth.
— Have you always wanted a big family?
— I have a son who was born a few years ago from the first relationship. The twins are due to be born now, but my wife already wants another child. Until I decide if I'm ready for the fourth, I need to think about everything. I always wanted my family before, but I didn't expect so many children (smiles).
— Welcome to the numerous Dynamo family, we wish you to become a worthy member of it!
— Thank you very much, I will do my best for this!