Interview with Rodrigo Pereira

by Ayrton Galea - 8th August 2011

Last week we continued to introduce our new signings, and today we decided to interview another new signing. This time it was the turn of a foreign player, the Brazilian central defender, Rodrigo Pereira.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well my name is Rodrigo and I'm 30 years old. I am married and my wife is called Angelica. I have been playing professional football since I was 15 years old. I am very quiet and I like to stay at home!

What is your impression of Malta? Had you ever been here before? Did you ever imagine you would be playing here?

This was the first time I came to Malta and my impression of the country is very good. A country with very beautiful and very nice people. I'm enjoying it here! About playing here? I had never imagined playing here, but I'm always prepared for new challenges in my career. So far, this is being a very good experience here in Malta, and I hope it stays this way.

Can you tell us a little about your previous experiences?

Well, I started playing early. At the age of 15 I was playing in one of the best clubs at the time in the youth section in Brazil (Guarani FC). As a young man I played for another two clubs (Portuguesa de Desportos and Santos FC). I had already played as a professional in some clubs in the same country (XV de Piracicaba, Iraty and Crac). In 2005 I received an invitation from a club in Austria and decided to accept the challenge and ended up staying six years in that country playing in three clubs (FC Waidhofen, Bad Aussee and First Vienna). Then I had a period of six months in Switzerland (SC Zofingen) and now I'm playing here in Malta for Birkirkara FC.

Do you think that you have settled down with our squad or do you still feel the need for improvement when it comes to communication and performances?

Surely I need to improve communication with my teammates, but I think this will not be a problem because in this world of football we all speak the same language.

What are the differences and similarities between football here and in Austria?

I think the biggest difference is the physical contact without a doubt. In Austria they play very physical football and here it is a little less.

Why did you decide to join Birkirkara FC?

Well I wanted a new challenge, a new atmosphere and when my agent (Henry) told me about this chance I did not think twice about accepting this challenge. It is an opportunity to live in a country with a climate more like Brazil. My wife and I were tired of the Austrian cold.

How do you describe your adventure with our Club so far?

I am very happy with the reception I was given here by all players, all coaches, the president, and everyone at the club, and the supporters. I hope to repay all they have done for me them on the pitch by playing good football!

Who is your best team mate?

It's hard to say because everyone welcomed me very well. I talk a little more with the Spanish players (Mosies and Jorge) because of the language, and also with Gareth. But everyone is being very nice to me and I hope they get to know me better with time!

What are your comments about our present squad?

In my opinion we have a very good team. I'm sure that when we are complete with all the players available to our coach we will have an even better team.

Do you consider Birkirkara FC one to be one of the main challengers for the Premier League title?

Yes for sure! We will fight for the title this year because we have a very good team and I trust that we will do an excellent tournament and we will dedicate ourselves to the maximum so we can celebrate the end of the season by winning the title.

What are your comments about the games you have played with our Club so far?

I really liked what I saw until now. I hope we can improve even more over the course of games and that I can help my teammates to have an excellent championship.

What are your targets with our Club, and what are your future plans?

I want to have an excellent championship with the team and win titles with Birkirkara FC. Then maybe I will stay longer here in Birkirkara and join the Club's history by winning many titles.

What are the most important things in your life?

The most important thing for me is definitely my family. My wife is always with me in the good and the bad times of my career. My family in Brazil, that despite the distance they are are always helping and supporting me in everything I do, and also my friends.

How important are the supporters for you and do you have a message for them?

The crowd is very important to me because they give us the motivation to play well and win matches. They are very important for us, the players. A message to the fans? I would first of all like to thank them for the reception I got, and I will give my maximum on the field to return that love. I hope for all to go to the stadium to support us and help us win games! Thank you very much!

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