Hernanes ready to repay Scolari's faith at World Cup

Everything that Brazil does in football, the world watches with great expectation. When Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari announced the squad for the World Cup much before the official deadline, everyone noticed the name of Hernanes being spelt out.
Scolari has gushed publicly over his new favourite in the midfield - Anderson Hernandes de Carvalho Viana Lima - simply known to the world as Hernanes.
Described as a key player in his plans, one who can shoot from distance and is adept at switching play, Hernanes knows the pressure of expectation at the World Cup at home. But is the Inter Milan player feeling any nerves? No, he tells TOI in an exclusive interview.
"This pressure is always on us because we are playing at the highest level and we are used to feeling it. Having said that, I want to do well in front of people of my country," says Hernanes.
When he heard Scolari read out his name, the 28-year-old jumped with joy. "The joy was crazy because it was my life dream to be part of the group. I am very happy and proud to have reached this point in my career. Brazil are already on top and now we get t h e chance to play in our country. This situation will bring the best out of us," he says.
Brazil will play the opener against Croatia. When asked how he was viewing the opening match, Hernanes quips: "I'll be playing against my teammate Mateo Kovacic. I will feel sorry for him, but we'll have to start in the best way!
"I do hope Brazil (will win)," he says but also points out, "Look out for Argentina and Germany. It's the great schools that make a difference in a World Cup," he points out. The Brazilian is one of the few players who can make equal use of both feet. While playing for Sao Paulo, Hernanes once scored two goals from two free kicks in the same match - one with his left and the other with the right.
Now after spending a year at Inter, Hernanes feels the stint in Italy has shaped him become the player he is today. "When I came to Inter, I told myself, 'I won't think of doing great things, but only work hard and things would arrive on its own.' Important things have already happened: the first goal at San Siro (against former club, Lazio) and now, making the World Cup squad," he says.
Inter captain Javier Zanetti is someone Hernanes looks up to. "Being 40 years old, he still continues to train like he is at his peak and you always find him ready. All this makes me think of how many sacrifices he has made to keep this mental and physical state... During his farewell, I saw the affection and respect that the fans and club had for their captain and this motivated me further," says Hernanes. "With Brazil, I want to bring the same winning spirit that I have with my teammates in Inter," he says.
Hernanes feels India has been missing in the global map of football. "India with a population of over 1 billion will surely have the potential future football champion somewhere, boys who need proper mentoring and guidance. Inter is coming to India to help develop a great grassroots programme and the philosophy of Inter will certainly show great results in the future by building the best of Indian players," he feels.
While he says he would not be involved actively with the Inter Academy in Hosur, Tamil Nadum, as he would be busy with his playing commitments, he would be following the progress keenly. "I'm sure this project will be very helpful for grassroots development in India. Inter has a very strong philosophy and history for building talent and grooming youngsters into stars. I have learned a lot at Inter and the club has helped many to become better player," he signs off.