‘I would have chosen players like Ronaldinho’

Football crazy Kolkatans were waiting with bated breath. After guarding for two days, finally Cláudio Ibrahim Vaz Leal aka Branco was introduced to the media by the Bengali channel, which has brought him to the city.
The footballer was more than happy to greet one and all with a “Namaste”. Apologetic about his halting English, he swiftly switched to Portuguese with an interpreter by his side.And it wasn’t just words that he resorted to in order to win hearts. Playing to the gallery, Branco juggled with a ball, eliciting huge response. Pity that the interaction was limited to the four walls of a hotel room, which did not allow Branco to kick the ball as he is famous for his freekicks.
The footballer, who is here for a television reality show, spoke about his experience as the coach of U-19 and U-20 teams of Brazil and how he has been instrumental in helping them win many championships. And now, he believes wholeheartedly that his experience will come in handy while interacting with the young talents from Bengal. Branco, who can easily pass off as a Bengali bhadrolok for his looks, was also impressed by the Salt Lake Stadium and the infrastructure here. But did skills of the young boys impress him? “None of the boys have impressed me so far and though the time is short, I will try and bring some positive results with my association,” he said.
The former Brazilian footballer, who was part of the 1994 World Cup-winning team and has played alongside greats like Romário and Sócrates also spoke about his humble background as he talked about the young talents from Bengal. “I came from a poor family from the South of Brazil. But I dreamt of playing for my country one day and thank God, I got the opportunity. So, if these boys get a chance at the right time, they too can be stars,” Branco added thoughtfully. And on being asked about his country’s poor show in World Cup 2010, he retorted, “Dunga (Brazilian coach) is a close friend of mine. But had I been in his place, I would have chosen players like Ronaldinho, Adriano, Hernanes for World Cup 2010.”
As a parting shot he invited the Indian media to his place in Brazil and said he would personally receive them. Branco scores as a bhadralok.
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