I dream of being capped for Brazil

- Welcome, Marlon! How was your adaption in the team?

- Good afternoon, it’s very nice to meet you. I feel happy and fulfilled. In Brazil and Europe, they know about Shakhtar. I’m glad to be here.

- Why did you pick number 26? Is there some date related to it?

- No, it doesn't mean anything special, it just happened so. They offered me several numbers, I’ve selected this one. I hope it’ll bring me luck.

- What’s the right stress in your name? There is Marlon Brando ...

- Well, as you wish! My name is Mа́rlon because my mother liked Michael Jackson very much, and his brother is Mа́rlon. I also know and respect Marlо́n Brando.

- You moved to Barcelona, seemingly the pinnacle of the football world, and then they sent you to the lower-standing Sassuolo. How did you feel at that moment? Didn’t you want to quit football at all?

- For me, the move to Barcelona was basically very productive at that time. In life, you always learn something - both when you are high and when low. Needless to say that Barcelona is a top club and that Sassuolo isn’t a lower-standing one. For me both clubs were very important in my life. I learned a great lot there. I had no retirement thoughts at all.

- The difference between you and the rest of Shakhtar players lies in the fact that you’ve played under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi. Did the teammates ask you to tell more about the head coach?

- Of course, the guys are always interested. I know Roberto De Zerbi really well now. The guys asked me what he’s like, what’s his  mood, what kind of coach he is. I’ve always said that he’s a great coach, an excellent, sincere, truthful, kind person. And he’s the kind of person that everyone needs in their life. I think that after a while all the players will also understand this and will treat him just like I do.

- At Shakhtar, the defensive third is traditionally Ukrainian. Did you manage to find a common language with the Ukrainian footballers? At what stage is your teamwork?

- Communication, of course, is difficult, as it happened at Nice, Barcelona and Sassuolo, but just at the beginning. Then you gradually learn the language and get some mutual understanding. It will be easier to communicate with the players. Let's be honest: the language of football is just one! Therefore, regardless of their nationality, everyone communicates without any problems.

- Who was your football idol? Whose play did you like? What centre-backs can you compare yourself with in terms of style and manner?

- My idol is Thiago Silva. Whose style of play is similar to mine? Perhaps that of Marquinhos ... Those are the footballers of the highest level. I hope to also get there one day. At least these guys inspire me, they are great role models for me.

- Did they allow you to watch the Copa America final late at night? What’s the reason behind the defeat of the Brazil national team?

- Of course, I watched it. That’s hard. But we know very well that such results happen in football. I was rooting for my homeland, for Brazil, but it happened that way and it hurt. Anyway, I wish them the best of luck for the coming years.

- Do you still expect to be called up to the national team?

- Yes, this is really my dream and one of the goals. I hope that at Shakhtar I will have the opportunity to be called up to the national team.

- Which Brazilian mainly helps you to adapt to living in Kyiv?

- Well, everyone basically - in one way or another! And the Ukrainians too. All the guys are friendly. I was really surprised in a very pleasant way by the great reception. We all understand how difficult it is to join a new club. And I don’t want to single out one person.

- You played against the best footballers in the world: Messi and Neymar in training at Barcelona, Ronaldo in Serie A. Who was it harder against?