Damião talks about choosing Coxa: “I saw a winning group”

Just a few days before completing a month in Coritibathe attacker Leandro Damião spoke to the press for the first time since arriving at the club, in an exclusive press conference for women, this Thursday (7).

After five seasons in Japan, the number 9 returned to Brazilian football and will compete in Series B for Alviverde. In 2017, the athlete had already played in the Second Division with Internacional, when he was a key player in the promotion of the club from Rio Grande do Sul.

“I saw a winning group, a group that has everything it takes to gain access with ease. And that motivated me much more, regardless of whether it’s Series B or not, I always wanted to help regardless of where I am. It won’t be any different here, we’re fighting together. I hope to help and add”, said the attacker.

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Damião even turned down two proposals from other clubs after signing with Coxa. At the Alto da Glória club, he reunited with coach Guto Ferreira, with whom he worked during his two spells at Inter, in 2009 and 2017.

“I worked with Guto when I was very young. It was a very good experience, a very professional and dedicated guy. He has control of the dressing room with the players. His second stint was at Inter in Series B and it was very cool”, explained the athlete .

“It’s similar to the situation we are experiencing today. He helps the players a lot on the field. Our group is very young and Guto, with the experience he brings, helps a lot”, he added.

See more excerpts from the interview

Experience in Japan

“I think it was very peaceful, I spent five years in Japan. There were seven titles, an experience as a professional and human being. Seeing the education they have was very important for them and for my family”, he said.

Recent injuries

“I’m a guy who has always taken care of myself, regardless of where I played. I’ve always done a separate job off the field. I’ve always taken care of my body and that’s what keeps me physically well today. And here we make the most of it , goes through suffering, an ice bath, to be prepared for the sequence”, said Damião.

“I feel good, my ankle has no more problems. I’m very well physically. In the last game I managed to play calmly, I left the game calmly too”, he added.

Series B Calendar

“In Serie B I played for Inter and it wasn’t an easy game. Coritiba has a way of playing at home and away and that makes the difference regardless of where they play. We can’t choose pitch and opponent, our thinking has to be a winner”, said the player.

“Of course, traveling is tiring, but today the club has a very good structure. They brought new equipment that is helping the players recover. The injured are returning much faster and that is important. We cannot choose the pitch and the opponent, our thinking It has to be a winner”, he added.

Cast leadership

“Guto said [sobre liderança] because he knows that I am a guy who is already experienced. There are many things that happen in the game that are more thought out and I try to manage and pass on to the boys what is important. It is important to have several leaders, because this gives peace of mind, humility to help each other”, stated Damião.