I started playing futsal in the favela because it was the closest pitch to where we lived. I think it was good for me, playing in a small space like that. You have to think and act quickly.
You play your surroundings. You pitch accordingly. Not that I drastically try to change my game plan based on the score or the team or stadium, but you have to take everything into consideration.
I like to define myself as a fighter on the pitch.
I don’t have to pitch movies. I’m no good at it!
I think that being confident gives you more freedom. It liberates you, helps you have the courage to do things on the football pitch.
We played for the love of the game; there were few holdouts. We wanted to pitch every day; to win more games than the other guy – not for the money, but for the glory of winning.
In the end, it was a no-brainer to join West Ham, but I still needed to take five minutes to myself because it’s a big moment for anyone to move club, especially off the pitch when it involves moving to a big city. You’ve got to take every single factor into consideration because it’s a big decision in your life.
I’ve really enjoyed myself and the time I’ve had on the pitch, the opportunity to play for England.
I am exceedingly lucky that my voice, along with perfect pitch and perfect rhythm, was given me at birth.
I love catching, being involved in every pitch of the game; obviously, it beats you up both mentally and physically.
