Through the match program of Olympiakos’ first home match against Athens Kallithea for the new season in the Stoiximan Super League, the Rodney expresses everything he has experienced in his tenure with the “red and whites”.
“I didn’t expect that I would become European champion in such a short period of time,” he says, among other things, and declares: “I will forever be grateful that he opened the doors for me, that I can show my football and give my best every day.”
The Brazilian’s interview in detail:
Olympiacos plays its first official match for the 2024-2025 season at “G. Karaiskakis”. What do you expect from the game and what are your thoughts on this season?
“I am very happy to be able to return to our home, Karaiskakis, for the first official game of the season. All matches are very difficult. I hope we win and give joy to our fans. What I’m hoping for this season is to have a great year that represents the club as it turns 100 years old. May we give everyone a lot of joy.”
It was your dream to play in Europe and you not only achieved that but you also lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League. Did you expect that coming to Olympiakos you would celebrate a European title?
“Yes, it has always been a dream to play in Europe and I feel very happy to play for the biggest club in Greece. No, I didn’t expect to become European champion in such a short time. I have won many titles when I was racing in Brazil, so I consider myself a winner and I work every day for that. I feel honored and fulfilled to have helped Olympiacos win this title together with my teammates.”
What does Olympiacos mean to you anymore?
“Olympian for me means family. I feel very happy in this club. I will be forever grateful that he opened doors for me, that I can show my football and give my best every day! So if I were to use one word for what Olympiacos means to me, I would say “family”.
You have been in Greece for almost two years. How do you feel that the world, not only Olympiakos fans, show you so much love?
“I feel very happy to be recognized not only for what I do on the field, but also for my character off the field! I get a lot of messages, even from fans of other teams, who ask to take pictures with me and who tell me that they respect me for my character. This is very important for me, to be respected for who I am off the field as well.”
If a compatriot asked you about Olympiakos, what would you say?
“I would tell him that it is the biggest club in Greece and the only European champion in Greece. A huge club, with a long history.”
What advice would you give to young footballers who want to establish themselves in the first team of Olympiakos?
“First I would tell them to always respect their father and mother because that is the basis of everything. And then pursue their dreams by working hard. Football is not easy. You may have good times, but there are also quite a few bad, failures. So when they do come, it’s important that they’re around people who will help them stay strong and keep chasing their dreams.”
How did it feel to see the UEFA Youth League holders Youth team play Flamengo, your former club, at the Maracana in your hometown?
“It was really nice to see the boys play against Flamengo, where I played for seven years. Before the game I told them to enjoy it, that they were going to compete in a historic stage. It was a great game and I’m very happy for them.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
