Even the best of defenders often struggle for recognition. And in the Brazilian World Cup winning team of the early 2000s, which was full of attacking flair, it’s safe to assume, that recognition was hard to come for any defender.
“It’s normal,” says Lucio, World Cup winner in 2002, with a shrug. “It’s a fact.” But the 37-year-old FC Goa defender is revered by Zico, who called him a role model “for all Indian and foreign players.”
Excerpts from a media interaction:
On ISL: It’s well-organised. I am enjoying it. I came because Zico was the coach. I know his history. He is very honest and works very hard with his players. The Indian players are also showing good capability. But the whole project has to have a follow-up.
Spain was associated with the Barcelona model and Germany with the Bayern Munich model. Is Brazil missing out on things with most of its players being shipped out?
It is a fact that things need to be changed. I am not saying it myself. It’s there for others to see. The World Cup last year at home was a disaster.
On whether he was sad to leave Bayern Munich for Inter Milan in 2009: I still like the club very much. My children are all supporters of Bayern. Moving from there was a purely personal choice. Inter Milan was where I achieved the most. Winning the Champions League was my biggest dream after the World Cup. So Inter will be in my heart forever.
On Marco Materazzi with whom he won the Champions League: It’s good a see a friend again. We accomplished many things together. Very happy to meet him!
On Jose Mourinho, his manager at Inter, and Chelsea’s blip: It’s normal. No team can be on top winning every time. Barcelona may be an exception but even they lost sometimes. I have worked with Mourinho. I support him and the other Brazilians who are playing there.
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