Naldo’s dream: 2014 World Cup

Naldo hopes that strong performances with Werder can lead to the Brazilian national team – an ambitious plan after more than a year away from the game.
First Team
Wednesday, 10.08.2011 / 13:52

Naldo has been back at team training for two weeks - time enough to look back and forward to the rest of his career. The week of Germany's friendly match against Brazil was the perfect time for a short chat with...

Naldo has been back at team training for two weeks - time enough to look back and forward to the rest of his career. The week of Germany's friendly match against Brazil was the perfect time for a short chat with our defender. WERDER.DE was able to listen in during an interview with the local station "Heimat live" and afterwards spoke one-on-one with the 28-year-old.

Naldo, despite your injury break of over a year, your smile has remained your trademark. Where do you get your apparent limitless lust for life?
"I feel better every day. I have practiced with the team for two weeks and there haven't been any setbacks. Everything has gone well. My movements look good and I hope to be a real alternative for the coach and his selection of the game squad."

Was there ever a point where you just wanted to throw it all away?
"No, never. I always believed in myself. Giving up was never an option. Once I felt the atmosphere following the victory at Weser Stadium, I knew then immediately why. This victory was great for the team and for the fans. It was a result, which makes me even more impatient. I want to get back to the pitch."

On Wednesday night Germany will face Brazil. Is that yet another motivation push for you or can you not really watch it because you have perhaps given up that goal?
"No Brazilian playing at a high level of football ever gives up that dream. The Selecao is always a goal. Especially when the 2014 World Cup takes place in your own country. I am ambitious enough to formulate my time schedule. I want to reach my highest level as quickly as possible. Then make the jump to the national team. And in the end try to be in the squad for the World Cup. That pushes me."

Good for Werder! And for Brazil! The team could use you! Brazil's last showing at a big tournament was not that great. They are even behind Germany in the world rankings. How could that happen?
I wouldn't say it that way. Both national teams play at a top level. I even see parallels between the teams. I am very anxious about the game, am anxious about Neymar. It is difficult to say who will win.

One could assume that you will watch the game, correct?
"Of course. That will be very cozy. There will be Brazilian food, my wife is a great cook. And certainly Wesley will come by as well."

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