Source: Live broadcast
Live broadcast on September 18. 44-year-old Inno is still active on the Green Ridge. Twelve years after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the elegant Brazilian still continues his career in the EC Youth team of the A-League in Brazil (Kashias-Dusul near Port Allegri in southern Brazil), constantly updating records and continuing to conquer audiences with fine left-foot technology. The always passionate player talks about football evolution and the top of the Champions League in Paris, and as an early member of Qatar Sports Investment Group (QSI) he was stunned.
Reporter: “44-year-old still fighting Green River Square, have you ever imagined?”
Nene: "When I went back to Brazil ten years ago, I planned to retire peacefully. As a result, I started my second career. Three years ago in Vasco da Gama, we had a meeting with the top management to decide my arrangement after retirement. But the next day, the coach of the youth team called: 'You can't retire, come and help us.' At that time, the team had just been promoted to the top league. He said what I wanted to hear-I still felt capable and loved challenges. But this year, it should be the last year. "
“Brazilian football is pursuing speed and strength, and the technical player space is being compressed, is that why you are still active?”
“In Brazil, most clubs prefer fast-strength players, and the quality of technology decreases. That’s why I’m still able to stand. In France, at 30 years old I was considered a veteran, and I was in good shape at the time: weighing 60 kilograms without injuries, without smoking. Even though I lost explosive power, I still have endurance, and I still have the ball!”
Reporter: “You have become the oldest goalkeeper in the league in Brazil, breaking the record for 26 consecutive years.
Inno said: “The greatest motivation is the love of football, which is where my passion lies. Leaving my mark is also one of the reasons. I have surpassed Ze-Robert, Romeo and other idols, and it is an honor to have my name written into history. Even though I have long been away from Brazil, I have no regrets – the peak of my career is in Europe, the five years in Monaco and Paris are the most brilliant. Unfortunately, it was only when I left Paris (January 2013). If there was a mature mentality at the time, maybe I would stay with the team or join the club before Qatar Algarve. I chose the economic factor, it was my choice.”
Reporter: “You’ve witnessed football changes in your long career.
“The Brazilian player’s technical talent has always been loved – the courage to break through and make a difference. We still have the talent, but as we say, the technology tradition is lost. The European teams are looking for this type of player, and the Brazilian clubs prefer to invest in players that can be sold. The detectives first look at the height: ‘at least 1m, 8m, to be muscular.’ At the same time, tactical skills are progressing. In the past, the Brazilian team was loose, not listening much to the coach (laughs) Now we are moving forward in discipline and tactical execution, but we must protect technical players.”
Reporter: “Have you been talking about the Champions League trip to Paris lately?”
Inner: “Of course! I’m crazy about them. The fans deserve it all. The Champions League is a special stage. Compared to the older club, Paris still looks young, but it’s accumulating experience every year. When you see the final performance (winning Milan 5-0), you’ll regret: ‘It’s too worth waiting!’ It’s almost a perfect victory.”
Reporter: “What is this team that you most admire?”
Inner: “Team cohesion, coach (Enrique) and fans – all three together as a person. That’s not always the case. Our old team members often discuss and support them. I’m happy for Nasser (President) and for those who have been there since my time.”
Reporter: “Does leaving Paris still hide your pain?”
Inner: “Dolor? no. It was a joint decision. At the time Leonardo (Sports Director) and senior hopes to delay the renewal. Everything is a new exploration. Someone says ‘You leave too early’, but that’s the right time. I don’t want to wait for past achievements (season 2011-12 21 goals in line with the gold boots, with Montreal won). I long for competition. Remember may be left, but no regrets.”
Reporter: "You mentioned the unity of the current team. which individuals have impressed you?"
Nene: "Coach Enrique has 100% carried out his own style. Those players who create differences-Douai, I appreciate his calmness, like Brazilians playing football on the street, are real discoveries; Dembele only does the right thing now; Marquinhos doesn't need to say much. He makes everyone feel important, which is very rare."
Reporter: "QSI entered the board for fourteen years, from excessive investment to a return to simplicity, has the club gone a curve?"
Inner said: “They wanted to succeed faster, and no one expected it to be so difficult. It’s like Lego – first build and find the wrong, then adjust the direction, and need such additions.”
Reporter: “How do we evaluate Neymar’s time in Paris (2017-2023)?”
He said: “I regret the effects of injury, the lack of cohesion today, and the depth of the lineup today. When Verratti was injured, there was no replacement at the same level. See Bayern, the debut and replacement are just as luxurious. To win the Champions League, it must be so. Now people criticize the past, but it was almost successful: Joomla Bappé in the 2020 Champions League final (to Bayern 0-1) and Neymar passed the goal... he contributed a magical moment, a wonderful goal, I also did a good job, but far from him!”