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on September 9 in Moscow there will be a match between the legends of “Spartak” and the world team. This game will be dedicated to the memory of former Red-White football player Ilya Tsymbalar, who passed away ten years ago. Former teammates and friends of the famous player were invited to the event. One of the guests will be Louis Robson. On the eve of the match, the Sport correspondent talked with the famous Brazilian of Spartak.
— How did you get here?
— This time the road was unusual . I'm used to flying through Europe, but now I had to fly through Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the road was calm. It is always a pleasure for me to come to Russia.
— How long did the flight take?
— Almost a day, but this is not my longest flight. When I played in China and Japan, it was longer there. Transfers are more tiring.
— Have you missed Moscow?
— I spent the happy years of my career here. I miss Russia a lot, I miss Moscow.
— When you heard about the match in memory of Ilya Tsymbalar, did you immediately agree to come?
“It’s a great honor for me.” Ilya is one of those close people I met in Russia. I didn’t think about the offer for a long time, I immediately agreed to come. He will forever remain my friend. Life, unfortunately, works like this: he left earlier than others. However, there are people who remember him. He still has sons, I’m glad that I can meet them.
“Tsymbalar taught me swearing, there was a laugher on the team”
— How did you and Ilya become friends?
“He was one of those who helped me a lot when I arrived in Moscow. Always very cheerful, tried to unite the team, never gave up. It is very easy with such people. We were friends not only on the field, but also off it. When my mother came to Moscow, he showed her the city, took us to parks and restaurants. Ilya also often came to visit.
— Were there any funny situations associated with him?
“I remember how he taught me swear words.” Ilya did it somehow on the sly, not in public. After I said these words, the team laughed (smiles). When our doctor first heard swear words from me, he laughed for five minutes: “How did you know that?” In the mouth of a foreigner, these words apparently sound especially noticeable.
—You were also often noticed with seeds. Is this also the influence of Ilya?
— No, but we loved them. I was responsible at Spartak for the purchase of seeds. At that time he lived in Sokolniki and took bags from local grandmothers. The bus left for Tarasovka almost from my house, so I bought seeds for the whole team. The grandmothers recognized me later, I came every week. At first I bought a bag or two, and then the quantity increased. I was a valued customer (laughs).
— No (smiles).
— Ilya also gave you the nickname “Maximka.” Do you know where this name comes from?
“I don’t remember if Ilya was the first to call me “Maksimka.” But I know that this is from a film about a little black boy who served on a ship.
—Have you seen this film?
—Yes, but it was a long time ago. I can’t remember what was there (smiles).
«Promes is a Spartak legend along with Tikhonov and others»
—What emotions did you have when you came to » Spartak» in 1997?
“It was a serious challenge for me. At that time I had practically no information about Russia, about the local championship. It helped a little that I played in Portugal, but Russia is a different world. It was not easy at first, I was lucky that I came in the summer — the weather was good. Before arriving, I actually thought that it was winter in Russia all year round. But I was received very warmly, all that remains is to thank everyone who was there.
— What is it like to be the first Brazilian in Spartak?
< br>“I felt a surge of interest in me because I was one of the first Brazilians in the entire championship. Brazilian sports journalists and commentators constantly called and wrote to me. They asked about Russia, about how I play here.
— Who do you keep in touch with now from that Spartak?
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— I correspond with many: Ananko, Alenichev, Tikhonov, Titov, Yuran, Khlestov, Shirko, Filimonov.
— And with Romantsev?
— Since I left Russia, we have not met or communicated with him.
— Follow current team?
— Yes. Last year I liked Spartak's game more. Abascal had just arrived, football was nice. This year the season started well, but then it slowed down. “Spartak” is a team that should win titles. Now it’s just the beginning, I hope they’ll pick up the pace later.
—Who can you mention?
— I like Promes among the players. He has been playing for Spartak for a long time, it is clear that Quincy loves the team. I think he can already be called a club legend. He is on a par with Tikhonov, Titov and others.
«Spartak» has always been a name for Brazil»
— Do they follow the RPL in Brazil?
— I wouldn’t say much. A few years ago there was more attention. Now they are looking more towards Saudi Arabia, where Neymar moved and others.
— Of the Russian clubs, do they know more about Spartak or Zenit?
— Now Zenit is more famous, but not because it is the champion of Russia, but because that a lot of Brazilians play there. But “Spartak” has always been the name for Brazil and remains so to this day.
— Some fans call the St. Petersburg team “Zenith Rio de Janeiro.”
— Do you think Spartak will be able to take the trophy this year?
“As a fan, I believe in this. I want Spartak to become a champion. Much depends not only on the players, but also on the club’s management. Good acquisitions are necessary, and the adaptation of players is also important.
«I would think about a Russian passport if I received such an offer»
— Last year you came to Moscow for the club’s centenary. What impressions do you have?
— I am always pleased to fly to Moscow, especially if it is connected with Spartak. I understand that times are different now and Spartak is not as high as it was before. I remain a passionate fan of the club and wish them nothing but success and titles. I even have friends in Brazil who support Spartak. We discuss team news with them and watch games. Red and white blood flows in my veins, and it will continue to flow for the rest of my life.
— How is your butcher shop doing?
— The business lives on. I continue to work there, this is what I live for. I was a meat worker at Spartak and now I am a meat worker. You could say I’m a Spartakist by profession (smiles).
— Did you have a desire to open a point in Moscow?
— There was such a thing a long time ago idea, there was even a proposal, but somehow it didn’t work out.
— You spent many years in Russia. Have you thought about obtaining citizenship?
— I remember well how Tchuise was going to receive Russian citizenship. There was support from Romantsev and others, but it all ended with him playing for the Cameroon national team. I love Russia and would think about it if I received such an offer. But this didn’t happen.
Blitz:
— Best partner in Spartak?
— It’s hard to name one , I’ll say that’s it. I have an excellent relationship with everyone.
— The brightest match in Spartak?
— All matches in the Champions League and Cup UEFA.
— Favorite Russian dish?
— Pelmeni.
— Romantsev or Scolari?
— Romantsev.
— Victory over Arsenal or championship with Spartak?
— Championship with Spartak.
— Russia or Brazil?
— Brazil, I live here ( laughs).