Soccer
Thiago Silva wants to use the spirit of 1994 Brazil to inspire success in the States at the FIFA Club World Cup
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The USA will host this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, which will spark memories for Brazilians of their famous triumph at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Four teams from Brazil will make up the 32 sides competing in the competition, and for Thiago Silva - now captain of Fluminense - it will be a special moment for someone who has memories of his country's World Cup win over thirty years ago.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN, the former PSG and Chelsea defender shared how privileged he will feel to play in a competition in the same country where Brazil lifted the famous World Cup trophy.
He said, "When Brazil won their fourth (FIFA) World Cup, I was ten years old, you know? I remember very little. Just a few flashes, really, from childhood. It was a very long time ago, was it not? And it was a really special moment for me.
"I was just starting, let us say, my childhood dream of joining a football academy, chasing my dream, playing football. And that national team definitely made me dream even more, you know?
"Having Romário up front, Bebeto, that important duo. Not to mention the other players who were also important, but in my eyes as a child, I wanted to become a forward, you know?
"So, I always imagined myself as Romário, as Bebeto, in Thiago Silva’s body—but it turned out completely differently, I went further back, ended up as a defender, actually, but it will certainly be a privilege to return to the United States, to compete in a (FIFA) Club World Cup wearing the colours of the team that I support, that I love.
"It will be very special indeed, but despite being special, I still have a lot of responsibility wearing this shirt, representing it well, performing strongly in the competition, and leaving with my head held high in the best possible way."
Despite turning 41 later this year, the legendary centre-back shows no signs of slowing down, but even he couldn't have believed he'd be back at Fluminense and getting to captain them for this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.
Adding, "No. It never crossed my mind… So young, having left Fluminense, to dream that right now I would have the opportunity to play in one of the most important competitions in the club’s history. If I told you yes, certainly I would be lying.
"So, I am someone who always tries to speak from the heart, to say things correctly. Even in my greatest dreams, I could never have imagined experiencing this moment, you know?
"The responsibility is huge, wearing this shirt again, after having made history in Europe. What I want the most at this stage of my career is to win a title with this shirt.
"So, this moment is special for me, this year will be special, and it already is, and I hope that God above blesses us with at least one major title in this, practically, my final year as a player."
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