President of Cape Verde dreams of having Abel Ferreira in the national team
On the eve of the duel against the Spanish team for the World Cup, the president of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, spoke about his strong connection with Brazil and surprised by revealing that he follows Brazilian football closely. A declared admirer of the country, the head of state stated that he divides his fans between Palmeiras and Flamengo, clubs that have been involved in one of the biggest rivalries on the national scene in recent years.
In an interview with "ESPN", José Maria Neves highlighted the influence that Brazil had on his personal and political formation, remembering the period in which he lived in the country during his youth.
"Brazil is my second homeland. In São Paulo I'm from Palmeiras, in Rio I'm a Flamengo fan. I have a very strong connection with the country. I spent part of my youth there and much of who I am today was built from that experience", he stated.
His relationship with Brazilian football also led him to comment on Abel Ferreira. The Cape Verdean president praised the work done by the Portuguese coach at Palmeiras and admitted that he would like to see him, one day, at the helm of the Cape Verde national team.
According to him, Abel's victorious trajectory and the success achieved at the São Paulo club make the coach a reference for any sporting project. "I know his success, as well as Palmeiras'. And if one day we can have a coach of Abel Ferreira's stature, that would be great," he declared.
Despite his admiration for Brazilian football, José Maria Neves assured that his priority in the World Cup is to follow Cape Verde's campaign. Still, he admitted that he will continue to support Brazil throughout the tournament.
"If one day we meet Brazil, may we play a great game and the best team win. My first team in the World Cup is Cape Verde, and the second is Brazil. Normally Brazil is first, but as Cape Verde is this year, Brazil is the second fan", he added.
Cape Verde debuts in the World Cup this Monday, at 1 pm, against the Spanish team, in a match valid for Group H. The African team is competing in the World Cup for the first time in its history and seeks to surprise one of the favorites for the title.
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Source: CNN