Neves: "I can be happy here"

Neves: "I can be happy here"



At long last he is finally here. At midday on Sunday (31.8.08), the Brazilian international midfielder Thiago Neves was presented to the media as HSV's final new signing, before the summer transfer window closed at midnight last night. Before he faced the cameras and questions, we got a chance to speak to him through an intrepetor, and he touched on several subjects like...

... the transfer deal: I am very happy that the deal has gone though. Things were quite complicated. I have moved from a big Brazilian club in Fulminese, to another big club. I am very happy to be here.

...his reasons for joining HSV: Other clubs including Manchester had expressed an interest in signing me, but HSV is a big club in a big city-like Rio de Janeiro. I have some friends who play here who told me lots of good things about the city and the club.

...his knowledge of the Bundesliga and HSV: The Bundesliga is not shown much in Brazil, but as soon as talks began, I started to inform myself about HSV and their past successes. I can only confirm that the club has a perfect infrastructure and I am sure that I can be happy here.

...his position: I like to play in central midfield and move in all directions on the pitch. But the coach says where I will play and what he says goes.

...the comparison to van der Vaart: Van der Vaart is a grat player, as his move to Real Madrid underlined. I would love to follow in his footsteps and represent the shirt and the team to the best of my ability.

...the victory in Bielefeld: Sadly I was unable to watch the game live because I was on the plane. But as soon as I arrived I enquired how things had gone and was delighted with the success to which I would like to congratulate the teamc.

...the number 27: I have been told that the last time this number was worn at HSV it was by Rodolfo Cardoso, who is an idol and a role model in Hamburg. I hope i can bring the club and the city luck by wearing it. If I can acheive half as much as he did I will be more than happy. I also chose the number because of my date of birth. Hopefully it will be doublly lucky.

...Alex Silva: I became good friends with Alex Silva at the Olympic Games. It is nice for me to have a national team mate at my new club.

...first impressions of the city: I have not seen much, but I have been told it is the most beautiful city in Germany.

...family: I have brought my little brother Fernando with me to Hamburg. My mother still has some sorting out to do in Brazil, but she will be coming to join me soon.

...The next few days: I have things to sort out on Monday morning, but I hope to be able to train on Monday afternoon. I want to try to make sure that I am ready for the next Bundesliga game, so the two week break is perfect for me.