Michel Bastos: "No favorites"
Wednesday, 30 June
2010
In Rotterdam few would
have thought that Michel Bastos would be the left-back
of the Brazilian national team in 2010. Considered unworthy
for Excelsior in 2003, on Friday he will be Holland's
opponent in the quarterfinal of the World Cup. "Incredible,
isn't it."
"I was 17-years-old
when I came to Holland. That's very young and I didn't
speak the language. I understood very little of what
was said. But I wouldn't want to have missed that experience.
That too has made me the player I am now. I have learned
a lot at Excelsior so I am grateful to Feyenoord for
giving me the opportunity," Bastos said.
Bastos lasted two
years in Rotterdam. After one year at Feyenoord he went
to Excelsior Rotterdam on loan, where he played 28 games
in the Dutch second division. "For my career it
was better to go back to Brazil. After a few years back
home I had the chance to play in France. Now I am a
regular for one of the strongest nations in the world.
That's a fantastic feeling."
"Very special"
At Feyenoord Bastos trained with Robin van Persie, who
had come through the ranks in Rotterdam about the same
time. "You could say that we both started at Feyenoord.
And now we will face each other in the quarterfinal
of the World Cup - very special."
The 26-year-old is
expecting a very level game on Friday. "Skill could
be decisive. In terms of technique Holland have a few
great players with Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and
Robin van Persie. But we must be considered at least
equal for that matter. It will be tough, but we will
come well prepared. There are no favorites on Friday."
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