Nicknamed “The Puma” for his feline movements in intercepting the ball in midfield and quickly setting up play, Emerson followed coach Capello to Juventus in the summer of 2004 after lengthy negotiations with Roma. “I was unwell and had depression issues. I was in Brazil waiting, troubled by the thought of damaging my good relationship with the Roma environment. I hadn`t received a salary for six months, and there were other promised things that weren`t given to me. And okay, I had accepted it, aware of the situation. But then an important offer arrives, and the president says no… If I hadn`t gone to Juve, people still wouldn`t have understood: it happened the same way with Samuel and Cafu. And in any case, I hadn`t chosen Lazio! I didn`t betray anyone. For four years, I did my job, and I did it well. The traitor is someone who earns well, does nothing for the team, and then leaves,” was Puma`s response to Roma fans who accused him of betrayal.
His addition to the Juventus midfield was fundamental, and despite suffering from pubalgia, he significantly contributed to winning their 28th Scudetto. Emerson possessed great tactical intelligence and excellent technique, often used to shield the ball; in fact, it was almost impossible to dispossess him. Moreover, he was very skilled at making runs into the box, scoring several goals, many of which were decisive.
The following season, partnered with Patrick Vieira, the Juventus midfield became almost impenetrable, logically leading to the conquest of their 29th Scudetto. Unfortunately, Juventus didn`t have much luck in the Champions League. In the first year, Liverpool eliminated Capello`s team, and the following season, another English team, Arsenal, with former player Henry, dashed Bianconeri hopes. However, Emerson remained a key player, scoring crucial goals, such as in the qualifiers against Djurgarden or, in a dramatic fashion, against Werder Bremen.
In the summer of 2006, not wanting to play in Serie B, he moved to Real Madrid, following Fabio Capello once again. “I chose Real Madrid, wanting to try a new adventure. Juve remains top-tier. The organization is impressive, the winning mentality. And there are very strict rules, as it should be. When I arrived in the Juventus locker room, I immediately realized that either I adapted or I was out, marginalized. Respect for internal rules is the basis of any success, you perceive it in moments of difficulty. I had a great time in Turin; I understood what it means to be in a team that always plays to win.”
December is a time for assessments and forecasts. How will 2006 be? For Juventus fans, it could be the year of the Puma, Emerson Ferreira da Rosa. Many important commitments and good intentions for a year that promises to be full of great satisfactions for the Brazilian. A 2006 to be lived in pursuit of new victories and some personal revenges. With two prestigious jerseys: Juventus`s black and white and Brazil`s green and gold. There`s the goal to repeat league success and the joy experienced at the end of his first triumphant Turin season. Then there`s the challenge for the Champions League, aiming to overcome the Liverpool defeat, faced at the worst time for Puma, dealing with a muscle issue that affected his entire spring.
All this, without forgetting the Italian Cup. Yes, because Fabio Capello`s Juventus intends to win everything. Goals to achieve to enrich the trophy cabinet of the former Roma player and to arrive fully charged for the World Cup in Germany. In a Brazil aiming to reaffirm their 2002 triumph, Emerson is eager. He wasn`t in Japan and Korea, stopped by the most unfortunate accident, a shoulder injury that deprived him of a joy that comes only once every four years. Emerson is charged up, determined, and hopeful. He shares his thoughts with “Hurrà Juventus” friends, in a wide-ranging conversation from Brazil to Juventus, from his new partner Vieira to his private life, where there`s only space for a little angel: his beloved daughter Karolayne.
Let`s start. Your assessment so far seems good. “Juventus is a great team, and winning a Scudetto in the first season makes me think this period has been very positive.”
Is this period enough to form an idea? For you, Juve is… “It`s very different from the other two teams I played for in Europe. It`s a club with a winning mentality, and that`s why it has achieved so much success in its history.”
What did you think before arriving? “Playing against them, I had already gotten to know Juventus for what they did on the field. When I arrived, I also knew the responsibility that awaited me, which was to always try to win. One has to adapt, and I believe I settled in quickly. Here, there are many professionals who work hard, and everyone is treated the same.”
This year`s Juve is… “I can say that in eight-nine years in Europe, I had never played in such a competitive team. Both for the many strong athletes we have in the squad and, above all, for the mentality.”
There`s a lot of talk about Capello; you know him well. “He`s the one who brought me to Roma, and it was certainly a positive thing to find him again as coach at Juventus. I know him very well, and he knows me equally well; this certainly helped me settle in faster. I confirm all the good things said about him: he`s a serious person who always wants to win, works 100%, and demands the same from us. On the field, there`s no joking, and this is the secret of his winning mentality.”
The novelty this year is especially Patrick Vieira. Did you know him before his arrival? “Yes, I had the chance to face him twice. I was at Roma, he was at Arsenal, and our teams faced each other in the Champions League. Roma lost 2-0 at home, while it was 1-1 in London. I remember the match at Highbury very well because I played a great game, one of the best of my career. We were forced to play almost the entire game with ten men, but we remained undefeated. Patrick was already a great player, one of the leaders; he and Henry were the ones who led the team. Moreover, that evening, he was the one who scored their goal.”
So his quick integration didn`t surprise you. “No, he`s a great professional who always wants to win. And anyone who arrives with these characteristics integrates quickly at Juve. He hasn`t changed; he`s a winner and a leader who knows how to take responsibility on the field.”
You were immediately called the strongest central midfield pairing in the world. A big responsibility, right? “At the beginning of the season, before the problem that forced Patrick to stop, we showed what we are capable of. When we are both fit, we can make a difference in midfield.”
Can we even talk about the strongest midfield in the world, given the Ballon d`Or nominations? “I would say yes. It`s a great satisfaction to see my name and those of Vieira, Nedved, and Camoranesi among the candidates. Pavel has already won one, but I think it`s more difficult for a midfielder to win this trophy. However, it`s still a source of pride to be on the list of fifty nominees. For me, it`s the second time after last year, and it makes me very happy.”
Juventus and Brazil: two powerhouses. How do you feel about being part of two such teams? “Another great satisfaction, because they are two fantastic teams. There are many differences, both in players and characteristics. But both have a common aspect: they always want to win. This year`s Juve is very strong and aims to win in all competitions, and given the squad, they can do it. Brazil has only one goal, which is the World Cup. The premises are good. We won the qualifying group, and we have many stars who are doing very well in Europe.”
Speaking of World Cups, many are convinced that you have already won the German one. “I hear people say that we are the favorite team. With my Juve teammates, we often joke about this topic because they think Brazil is the team to beat. I don`t know if this is a positive thing for us because we know that without playing, you can`t win. It depends on how we arrive in May. After all the commitments with the clubs, it`s not certain that everyone will arrive at their peak.”
In short, 2006 that is coming looks interesting. “It will be fun; hopefully, it goes well.”
Staying on the topic of Brazilians. You were the twelfth in Juventus history. What do you know about those who preceded you? “When I was in Germany, I had the chance to meet Julio Cesar; he left his mark here. Athirson, on the other hand, wasn`t so lucky and stayed for a short time.”
Brazil, Germany, Rome, Turin. The four stages of your life, four such different places. “When I chose Germany, many told me I was making a mistake. But I knew it was an opportunity to grow in football, I believed in it, and I settled in immediately. In Rome, I found a different city, more affection from people, a language easier to understand; I put in the same desire to succeed and had no difficulty settling in. Just as happened in Turin. I have never suffered from city changes, only when I had difficulty communicating immediately with teammates.”
So no problem becoming a Torinese. “I know that when you talk about my country, people think of Rio de Janeiro, but there`s also more. I was born in southern Brazil, in an area where there are no beaches, and the climate is similar to the European one. Also, there are Italian and German communities, and this allowed me to understand how people live on your continent. What I like about Turin is the tranquility, the possibility for us footballers to be able to work without too much pressure. You can easily go for a walk in the center without problems.”
So it`s not such a bad city. “No, quite the opposite. You just need to know it and settle in. It depends on the person`s mentality. Of course, if someone wants to live by the sea, they won`t come here, but if they have to play football, it`s the ideal place. Moreover, it`s improving a lot thanks to the influence of the Winter Olympics.”
Speaking of which, will you follow them? You Brazilians dominate in many sports, not really in winter ones. “It`s true, considering we don`t have mountains. I was also surprised to learn that there are Brazilians who will participate; I know they are training in Chile. I am lucky to be here, so I think I will follow them. I hope to have the opportunity to attend some events live, especially figure skating competitions. My daughter Karolayne likes them very much, and I promised to take her.”
Speaking of other sports. You have often been seen in Chieri following the women`s volleyball team that plays in A1. True? “Yes, because Virna, a Brazilian spiker who is a friend of mine, played there. When there was a chance, I enjoyed watching their matches. It`s been a while since I went, also because she returned to Brazil. We`ll see if there will be an opportunity to go back. Now I dedicate all my time to my passion.”
Which is? “Karolayne, my little girl. When I have a free moment, I go to Rome to visit her.”
Among other things, we know you also used her as a model, for a photo book. “I did it because I am in love with her! When they brought me the book, I was very impressed, and I am, of course, happy and proud because her image will be seen all over the world.”
A piece of heart directly from the family album. An album to be filled soon with many significant images of 2006. A year under the sign of the Puma.