Subscribe to RSSSJ INTERVIEW WITH PAULO NAGAMURA – CHIVAS USA ENFORCER
Paulo Nagamura is without doubt one of the most talented defensive midfielders in MLS, that’s why Chivas USA signed him back from his stint in Mexico. We were able to catch up with the Brazilian, and he chatted openly with Soccer Jones.
Who was your idol growing up in Brazil?
When I was growing up I had a few, when I was a kid I started playing as a forward, so I always liked to watch the forwards from the Brazilian national team, so Romario, Ronaldo and a little bit before that Careca, it was those guys that I used to watch play.
And which players do you admire right now?
Right now I like to watch players that are in my position, Micheal Essien of Chelsea, the German midfielder Michael Ballack (now of Bayer Leverkusen). I like those two, and of course I love watching Kaka, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
You started your career at Sao Paulo, is that the team you support as well?
Yes I grew up in Sao Paulo, and I went through the Sao Paulo youth system, so yes they are my club too.
Now you also moved from Sao Paulo at a young age, what was it like to moving to Arsenal in England?
It was difficult, very difficult, the changes from Brazil to England in the beginning, but I think I adapted pretty well. I had three great years in England. I played with great players and that was definitely a plus in my career.
You’ve just come back from a spell in Mexico with Tigres UANL, how was that?
It was good yeah, but it was also a tough 5 -6 months. We were fighting against relegation, the team didn’t do too well in the season and we finished 13th in the league out of 18 teams. It was a difficult time, but I also enjoyed it in Mexico and I gained a lot of experience, even in the few months I was down there.
Has Chivas USA team-mate Jonathan Bornstein asked you for any advice seeing as he’s moving to your old team Tigres at the end of the season?
Ah yes we’ve already talked. I’m very happy for him. I think it will benefit his style of play and I think he will do very well there, and he’s going to a very good club in Mexico.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My parents definitely, and also a lot of my youth coaches at Sao Paulo. I am the player I am now because of them, they have a great youth system in Sao Paulo so it’s because of that.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Well, I would say winning the MLS cup with the LA Galaxy in 2005, and also before that my transfer from Sao Paulo to Arsenal when I was 18 years old, and I’ve also had 3 great seasons with Chivas USA.
If you had the opportunity to play anywhere else in the world, where would you like to go?
Well, I’m good where I am right now! But if I had the opportunity, I’d like to go to Europe. I like the style of play there, but I also like the style of play back home in Brazil. I never played professionally in Brazil, so that is the one place I’d like to go most, and of course Mexico was a great experience, I guess I just don’t have one favorite.
If you hadn’t been a soccer player, what would you be doing right now?
I have no idea! Ummmmmmmm, something related to sports for sure.
Obviously at 27-years-old you have a good few years left in your career, but when you do retire, do you want to stay in soccer or do something completely different?
I’ve not thought about it, as you say, I have some years left, hopefully. Maybe a director in soccer, somewhere, but I’ve honestly not thought about it yet.
OK Paulo, lastly, do you have any superstitions?
Yeah, I have a few, I take a nap before a game, like, round about now (he says with a smile). I think the biggest one is that when I step on the field I make sure my right foot hits the grass first.
1 Comments
2010-08-04
11:48:44
Welcome back, Paulo! He can only help Chivas USA right now.