Rodney: “Carvalhal is a great guy and coach – Stay long enough in Europe”

For Carvalhal: When he came on the first day at the club he came and greeted me and said: ‘Look, I was almost going to be your coach at Flamengo, huh?’ He’s a great guy and a great coach. I also talked to Diego Alves who had relevant experience and I also talked about Jesus’ methods at Flamengo (Alves had 53 matches with Jesus there).

It’s the way I play that needs more intensity. It makes me a little more tired but thank God at 31 years old I am very well, I take very good care of myself and maintain my level.



That he established himself as a starter since he went to Olympiakos: Every player wants to play. I came very well prepared. I came from the biggest team in Brazil and the demands were always high.

I managed to do my best, keep my level and keep going. I still have 1.5 years of contract and I want to continue in Europe and enjoy more. I want some more. I want to stay as long as possible in Europe.



For his idols: I’m a big fan of Macon. I had the opportunity to talk to him through social media. He gave me a lot of advice and of course I am not like him or like Kafus. I am sure that the full backs in the National team are at a very good level. The national team is going through a period of reformation and… reconstruction and that takes time.

For Marcelo: He was there when I went to Olympiakos. I took from Marcelo’s experience and advice on my game. I keep joking with the Greeks about the fact that when I pass the first player I never turn back and go for the goal. They know that when they give me the ball I will be there. When I have it, I have the quality to dribble.

For the Greek League: Many people may think that the Greek Championship is not the biggest, but it is very difficult with five to six teams competing. It’s not like Brasileirao but it has very competitive and balanced teams. I had the opportunity to play in Europa and with teams like West Ham or Freiburg.

Olympiacos didn’t sign me because I was a great scorer. They saw what I did at Flamengo. Football nowadays is at a very high level. If you are a different player or player to play one on one is not easy. There aren’t many very good full backs these days. There aren’t many full-backs who break through opposing defensive lines.

Regarding the data at Olympiakos: Olympiacos is without a doubt the biggest club in Greece and with the biggest fan base. There is too much pressure. Pressure like that in Flamengo. They are not the same number of fans but they are very warm and they sing a lot. When I arrived we were 12 points behind the first and we gave everything and let’s not become Champions.

There will also be disapproval and pressure. Things similar to Brazil. There is indeed a lot of pressure. I talk to my Greek friends now that my English is very good and I say how ‘after the pressure I had at Flamengo being booed doesn’t bother me anymore’. I’ve been booed by 70,000 fans. Now if I get 15,000 disapprovals it’s not a problem for me.

On how the world treats him in Greece: They approach me and may say ‘hello’ or ‘how are you’. I already speak some Greek. It’s the energy I put out. The point is to get the right message across. In my first month I only used my mobile translator. I didn’t even know today or tomorrow in English.

I didn’t know anything. Today I speak English, Greek and I have good energy. Fortounis who is the best player in the team and the captain has already become my friend. My best friend. He spends more time with me than with the Greeks. So when you have good vibes and energy you connect with the world. At first it was difficult. Now I can say that I speak English very well.

On the difficulties he had before learning languages: I had an application for translation. On the field the most important thing is that the ball does not hit the post or go out. The best thing is to speak correctly on the field (with his movements). At the restaurant I order salad and water. How can I get involved? (laughs). I don’t need anything else.

About his presence in Europe: Without a doubt, the Champions League is the epitome of success in terms of individual presence, but it is not easy to ensure it through the Greek League.

My most impressive moment was when I was playing with Freiburg and I look at the badge and the shirt and I’m like ‘wow, where am I? Look what I’ve accomplished. Then I played in London in a great stadium against Paketas. I really enjoyed it.

On whether he has had strokes before: There were teams in Brazil or the River Plate. But going to Olympiakos was the fulfillment of a dream. A big dream. Hadn’t Flamengo made me a new offer? No problem. I thanked everyone and walked out the front door. If you ask me what I would answer to a new proposal, it would probably be more yes than no.

For his first time in Greece: Yes, I played half the season. Although I played a little more than 20 matches, I got the title of the best right back in the Championship. This year I started well and now I want to get the same title along with the Championship title.

For Araos: Arao is a very funny guy. When I went to Greece and he was in Turkey he sent me a message: “Yes Mavrouli now you are out of the pressure. Now you will be like an atomic bomb on the field”

You have no idea what this big feud means. Oh my god. I experienced Vasco – Flamengo or other derbies in Brazil, but it’s crazy here too. Here in Greece it is different. In these derbies the players are ‘transformed’. On derby day, the city also changes. And I have really worked very hard for such unique moments. For the moments of such derbies.

For dealing with it as a player: Our previous technician here in Greece told me every day how it is unimaginable what a difference I make. When I’m happy and well I want everyone to be like that. I am a positive person with good energy. But it has nothing to do with the criticism that may be directed at me. I also had this with the evaluation and criticism at Flamengo. I think I’m a very good player and I do my job on the field.