Keirrison: "I think and execute very quickly"

this is a first contribution by benfica blogger fumas, who will follow for us the performances of barcelona loan out keirrison with benfica during the season. you can also check fumas' personal blog with a lot more news (in english) on benfica: http://www.talkingtothedoll.com/



Shortly after landing in Lisbon, Keirrison gave his first interview to Portuguese football daily "A Bola".

In this interview, published on the first of August, Keirrison talks about choosing Benfica, how he was welcomed the first couple of days, and the team's potential for a good season. He touches on some of his qualities, his idol, and his ambition to make the canarinha.

Always keeping a certain humility, Keirrison's dialogue is simple, and focused on the task at hand this year, he knows that his stay at Benfica will be brief and will serve as an apprenticeship to the European game, but even knowing that, his conversation rarely deviates from his only goal for this year - to help Benfica win titles.

Below is the transcript of the full interview translated into English (note: part of this interview was already published on this blog)


What did you mean with in your press conference with the statement: "It was me that picked Benfica"? Did someone try to choose your destination for you?
I just wanted it to be very clear how much I value this club. My agents had other propositions, but I didn't even want to hear about them when I found out about Benfica.

Why?
I know the club, I watched a lot of Benfica games in Brazil along with other European leagues, and the information that was given to me about Benfica was very good.

What were your first impressions?
Firstly, Lisbon is a beautiful city. Then the Estadio da Luz (smiles) no comments, it's perfect. In addition, Benfica's training center is very good and I was treated very well at my arrival.

Not going to Barcelona right away is what's best for you?
It was a joint decision, to obtain European experience in my first year. Benfica is the right club to evolve in Europe and in two days I feel that I have already adapted.

What can Benfica gain with you?
I'm going to try to help my team mates, in all aspects but in a collective way. You can't win anything by yourself, even if you have the world at your feet. I came to help Benfica win titles

Benfica is betting everything on this season. Are you prepared for the pressure?
There is always pressure in big clubs. Benfica is aiming high, and I am sure with all these excellent professionals, Benfica has every guarantee to be able to fight for titles. It's a a new group but we will be very strong very soon.

What did you think of coach Jorge Jesus?
He is very friendly, he told me what the team wants from me. I feel that with him, I'll have the freedom to talk about all aspects of the game.

What was the feeling like to be applauded by 1500 people in your first training session?
I have had similar experiences, but never with so many people. I could tell how the fans feel Benfica, and that gives me more motivation to work hard. It was good to hear my name being called. You know, I look to have a quick connection with the fans, and unlike some other players, I look to tend to them every time I can. I have been on the other side, I know what it's like.

Are you aware of your worth?
I never try talking about myself. I leave that to other people. I respect opinions, and I always look to do my job. I try to perfect myself everyday, but I know that I will never be perfect.

But you have the notion that Benfica fans saw your arrival as a big "acquisition" right?
Yes I do, I'm always going to have a big responsibility because of the fact that at 20 years old I've arrived at a club like Benfica.

Do you believe that you will soon be scoring goals for Benfica?
I'll be ready for that.

What opinion do you have of the main opponents of Benfica?
I know FC Porto and Sporting. I know that the fans want titles, and we do too. We have the conditions to win.

Will it be easy to score with the team mates you have assisting you?
Without a doubt. There is a lot of quality in this squad. I'm not going to say that it'll be easy, but I was born with a gift that God gave me.

Is being in the 2010 World Cup an objective for you?
Yes. Being at Benfica, I have every chance of being called. I know that Dunga will be watching. But if it's not in 2010, it'll be in 2014, as I am still young.

Do you believe you will be the future forward of Brazil?
That's the reason why I came to Europe.

Your playing style? Is it more talent or more work rate?
Both. Players that have the gift and don't work, and are not able to make sacrifices, they will get nowhere. As an example, I will be very far from my family, but I love football.

What is your safe haven, when things don't go well?
Faith in God and a lot of patience. I know how to wait for better moments.

Are you also patient on the pitch?
A lot. Sometimes I can be without touching the ball for 80 minutes, and I have to be prepared to score. That's happened to me quite a few times.

Do you like playing in the box, or do you like coming out of the box?
A mixture of both, I like to have the ball, but I also like to finish.

Better with your right foot?
I'm righty, but since I was a little boy, I have worked on my left. I have even scored nice goals with my left foot.

Does your aerial game still need to evolve?
It's not at the same level as my feet, but I have been working a lot on that aspect.

Do you like taking penalty kicks?
I am a specialist. But I am also becoming a specialist in free kicks. I try to be a complete forward, because I know some games you can't score in running plays, so you have to look for other ways.

In Brazil it's said that you have a strong personality. Is that true?
I have always had a strong personality, since I was a little boy.

Have you ever lost your cool with a tighter than usual marking?
I might get mad once in a while, but I have learned to elude defender's markings. Besides, it makes no sense to use violence against another player, I have never been thrown out like that.

What is your strongest trait as a player.
Coolness at finishing. I don't take too long to think about what I am going to do when I'm in the box, I think and execute very quickly, most of the times with one touch. I'm very decisive, and seldom am I left with the idea of having chosen the wrong option.

Is that why you admire Romario? He would often score with his toe, with only one touch.
Exactly, Pele is also my idol, but I have only seen Romario play. I grew up watching his game, and wanting to do like him. Romario scored a lot of nice goals, but his specialty was the first touch and to toe the ball. His playing style was simple, and mine is also. The fact that I played futsal helped me. I look to simplify myself, because in Europe there is no time to showboat. I have always tried to play simple with the thought of coming to Europe. And now i'm here.


The Other Side of K11:

If you weren't a footballer you would be...
A Physical Education teacher. I studied until 12th grade, but I didn't continue to college.

Your main quality is...
Sincerity, I don't beat around the bush, I am direct.

Your worst trait...
I stress more than I should.

What kind of a politician would you like to be?
I wouldn't like to be a politician, it's a class for which I have no admiration, even though I respect it.

What charms you about Europe...
Manners, mutual respect, clean streets and beauty.

Favorite movie...
"Pursuit of Happyness" with Will Smith

Book...
"Never give up on your dreams"(Nunca desista dos seus sonhos) by Augusto Cury, a Brazilian writer.


Read more:
Ten things you should know about Keirrison
Keirrison makes Benfica debut
Possible first option on two Benfica players

Bruno Alves stays an option for Barcelona

Portuguese sports paper A Bola claims that Barcelona is still interested in Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27).

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola would already have detected defensive shortcomings early in the pre-season and Bruno Alves is one of the options to strengthen the centre-back positions, certainly since the transfer of Shakhtar Donetsk central defender Chygrynskiy has become unlikely after his participation in the Champions League.

Barcelona could make a new move after the team returns from the US tour but the club would nevertheless still think that the transfer fee asked by Portuguese champions Porto is too much. Porto is on the other hand not at all considering to lower the buyout clause of 30 million euro°, since the club doesn't have any financial problems after the transfers of Lisandro, Lucho and Cissokho earlier this summer.

Read more:
Barcelona preparing strong bid for Bruno Alves
Bruno Alves doesn't know what future will bring
Barcelona has been in contact with 22 players

Keirrison: "I try to keep things simple"

Barcelona loan-out and Benfica forward Keirrison gave an interview to Portuguese sports paper A Bola.





What did you mean - at the press conference when you were presented - when you said: "It was I who chose Benfica"?
I just wanted to make clear to the fans the respect I have for this club. My agents had other offers, but I didn't want to listen of any of them once I heard about Benfica.

Why?
I know the club, back in Brazil I saw a lot of games of Benfica. I watched all European leagues. And the information I got was all very positive.

What were your first impressions when you arrived here?
In the first place, Lisbon is a beautiful city. Then, you have the Estádio da Luz stadium... I won't give any further comments, it's just perfect. In addition, they say that the training centre is very good. And the treatment I received from the club was excellent.

Was it the best thing for you to join Barcelona at this point in your career?
It was a decision taking into account everything, including the chance to acquire European experience at another club during my first year. Benfica sure is the right club to get to know European football. In two days time, I feel like I've almost adapted already.

What do you think of coach Jorge Jesus?
A good person, he explained me what he expects of the team and what my role will be. I feel that I will have the freedom to discuss all aspects of the game with him.

But do you have the feeling that the club sees your arrival as an important transfer?
Yes, I do. I feel a great responsibility for having arrived at a club like Benfica being only 20 years old.

Do you like to score penalties?
I am an expert. But I am also trying to become an expert in free kicks. I try to be a complete striker, because in some games you cannot score during normal play, so then you should be able to score in another way...

What is your strongest point?
My coolness in front of the goal. I don't need much time to think when I'm in the box, I can think and execute quickly, often at the first touch. I am very determined and I rarely have the feeling of having made a bad choice during a game.

It is therefore that you admire Romário so much? He marked a lot of goals like that, with just one touch...
Precisely. Pele is also my idol, but I only saw Romário live. I grew up learning from his game, wanting to be and to act like him. Romário scored many beautiful goals, but his specialty was the first touch, kicking the ball with his toe. His football was simple and mine is too. The fact that I've played futsal helps me. I try to keep things simple, because in Europe there is not much time when you are in the penalty area. I've always tried to play a simple type of football because I already was thinking about coming to Europe. And now I'm here...


Read more:
Keirrison makes Benfica debut
Possible first option on two Benfica players
Keirrison officially presented as Benfica player

Roma also interested in Keirrison loan

Italian sports site Sportal claims that AS Roma is also interested in a loan of Palmeiras forward Keirrison (20), who is expected to sign with Barcelona later today.

Barcelona has announced they want the Brazilian striker to leave on loan next season and Roma, that could offer the striker playing time in a top league, would hope that they can sign Keirrison due to the good relationships between the clubs.

Portuguese sports paper A Bola claims, based upon statements of the player's agent Naor Malaquias in the Brazilian press, that Roma is, besides Benfica, a possible destination for Keirrison.


Read more:
Benfica to loan Keirrison
OFFICIAL: Keirrison
Keirrison says goodbye to his Brazilian fans

Barcelona preparing strong bid for Bruno Alves

Portuguese sports paper A Bola unconfirmedly claims that Barcelona is preparing a strong bid for Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27).

The offer would be around 30 million euro°, which is the buyout clause of the player. Porto wouldn't be willing to let the player, whose contract expires in 2012, leave for less than the buyout fee.

Portuguese sports paper Record claims that it's very probable that Barcelona will make a bid for Bruno Alves in the coming days after a deal on the transfer of Shakhtar Donetsk central defender and Ukrainian international Dmytro Chyhrynskiy (22) didn't seem possible (read more here).

Read more:
Bruno Alves doesn't know what future will bring
Keirrison could be included in Bruno Alves deal
Chygrynskiy confirms Barcelona offer

It could be the right time for Bruno Alves to leave

Asked about the rumours linking Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27) to several European top clubs among which Barcelona (read more here), the player's father Washington has said in an interview with Portuguese sports paper A Bola that the player should leave this summer:

"Despite the fact that we're relaxed, because Bruno has three more years left on his contract with FC Porto, it is natural that we're also somewhat anxious because of the uncertainty surrounding his future, will he still be around next season, will he leave... For me, now is the right time to leave. In one year from now, it will be more difficult for him to leave."

Read more:
Talks in Portugal on Bruno Alves
The report of Txiki (2) : Mascherano priority
Bruno Alves reveals transfer to Barcelona

Porto denies talks with Barcelona on Bruno Alves

Asked about the rumours linking Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27) with a move to Barcelona (read more here), Porto general director Antero Henrique has denied talks in an interview with Portuguese sports paper O Jogo:

"We are not negotiating with any club because of the simple fact that we didn't receive any offer, we weren't contact and nobody has asked for him. There is nothing going on with Bruno Alves, that's why we don't understand the reports that are talking about negotiations between Porto and Barcelona.

A player like Bruno Alves doesn't have a price. What we have is a buyout clause and that's 30 million euro°. Porto is the home of Bruno Alves, where he feels good and where he's loved. The president has always supported him and didn't want to sell him even when he wasn't part of the first squad. But of course the wish of Porto cannot be disconnected from the wish of the player."

Portuguese sports paper A Bola nevertheless claims that Bruno Alves will almost certainly join Barcelona this summer. Although the clubs haven't officially admitted that negotiations are ongoing, a deal would be close.

Asked about his future, Bruno Alves told journalists yesterday that he's waiting to see what could happen: "Nothing has been decided yet. We will see what will happen. I'm happy at Porto. I had a very good season but all players always look for more and better. And I'm not different than the others. I believe in my qualities but I will let things happen in a natural way. I'm not saying that I'm dissatisfied at Porto. The opposite is true. Porto has given me everything and I'm very thankful. If it's good for the club and everyone involved, we will let things happen."

Read more:
Deal on Bruno Alves very close
Possible pre-agreement with Bruno Alves

Deal on Bruno Alves very close

Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Barcelona is very close to signing Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27).

While Porto is asking a transfer fee of 25 million euro°, Barcelona would have offered 22 million euro° and everything indicates that a deal could be found soon. Inter Milan is also interested in Bruno Alves.

Asked about the rumours linking Alves with several European top clubs, his father Washington said in an interview with Portuguese sports paper A Bola that he will only leave for a top club: "Bruno has a contract until 2012 and he's only thinking about Porto. If you want to jump too high, you can hit your head. In terms of organization, structure, it's difficult to find a better place than Porto. So a transfer will only be possible if a very big clubs makes us an offer.

Read more:
Bruno Alves reveals transfer to Barcelona
Txiki talks about the summer transfer market
Possible pre-agreement with Bruno Alves

Barcelona is still interested in Bruno Alves

Portuguese sports paper A Bola claims that Barcelona is still trying to sign Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27).

It is generally believed that Alves, who has a buyout clause of 30 million euro°, will leave the Portuguese champions this summer, although the fact that he is represented by Jorge Mendes, who's also the agent of Inter Milan manager José Mourinho, makes it at this point more likely that he will end up in Italy.

Read more:
Bruno Alves reveals transfer to Barcelona
Txiki talks about the summer transfer market
Possible pre-agreement with Bruno Alves

Possible pre-agreement with Bruno Alves

Portuguese sports papers Record and A Bola unconfirmedly claim that Barcelona is still interested in signing Porto central defender and Portuguese international Bruno Alves (27) in the summer (read more here).

Although Barcelona could already have reached a pre-agreement with Bruno Alves, the Portuguese defender would in the meantime have received more interesting offers from other clubs. Inter Milan, Manchester City and Real Madrid would be among the teams that are also interested in the centre back.

Read more:
Bruno Alves reveals transfer to Barcelona
Txiki talks about the summer transfer market
Barcelona prepares offer for Bruno Alves


Watch a video of Bruno Alves here:

Barcelona interested in Di Maria

Portuguese sports paper A Bola claims that Barcelona is amongst the European top clubs who already were following Benfica left winger and Argentinian international Angel Di María (20) before the Beijing Games. Di María scored yesterday the winning goal in the final of the Olympic tournament.

Benfica, who signed the player only one year ago, is not willing to sell the player. The Portuguese club is preparing a renewal offer and will only let Di María leave if his buyout of 30 million euro° is paid.

Di María told Portuguese news agency Lusa yesterday that he's calm about all the latest transfer speculation and that Benfica will decide on his future.

See Di María in action here

Possible deal with Moutinho

Portuguese sports paper A Bola claims that Barcelona could already have reached a secret deal with Sporting midfielder and Portuguese international João Moutinho (21).

Barcelona will now contact his Portuguese club and would be preparing a 20 million euro° bid for the player (read more here). Moutinho has a buyout clause of 25 million euro° but that clause would expire on the 15th of June.

Catalan sports paper Sport claims that Barcelona will send an official to Lisbon to negotiate with Sporting officials after that date, hoping to be able to close a deal for less than the current buyout fee.

Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo claims that Sporting wants to agree on a new and higher buyout fee as soon as possible.

Read more:

Formal offer for Moutinho upcoming

Negotiations with Sporting on Moutinho

Deal with Hleb

Mourinho takes Deco with him to Inter

Portuguese sports paper A Bola claims that former Chelsea manager José Mourinho has reached a three-year deal with Italian champions Inter Milan. As part of the deal, Inter Milan will sign Chelsea player Frank Lampard and Barcelona midfielder Deco (30) (read more here).

Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain said last week at a press conference that there's no agreement on a transfer yet: "Deco has told us that he will go to another club, but we still have to reach a deal with him and with the club where he's going to. At this point, he has just asked to leave." Catalan sports paper Sport claimed this weekend that Deco has asked to leave on a free transfer and is planning to play it hard.

British tabloid The Daily Mail claimed last week that English Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham could make a move after Deco had announced his Barcelona exit (read more here). Madrid sports tabloid As said that the Portuguese midfielder is being followed by Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Juventus.

Read more:
Deco top target for Bayern

Deco announces his exit

Which Milan for Deco?