“What did you think when you learned that Dimitri Payet was going to sign at Vasco de Gama?
I thought that was a very good idea. For him, who will discover a new football, a new culture, and for the club, which needs a crack of its stature to save itself (mid-Championship, the Rio club is 19th out of 20). Honestly, I love this wedding! Payet is a very skilful player. He will enjoy himself and he will seduce the supporters.
In what state is the Vasco today?
He wakes up from a long sleep. The club has just been bought (by the American group 777 Partners, also owner of Red Star) and can once again be ambitious. 25 years ago, Vasco tied with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup (2-1 defeat in the final). Since then, it has only regressed. Despite recent investments, the results are not following and the leaders are under pressure. They cannot afford to go down to Serie B (D2). Dimitri is there to save them.
What problems will he encounter to adapt to Brazilian football?
The most complicated thing is to play every three days. He must not be used to it. In addition, the journeys are long, tiring, and the lawns are always different. Otherwise, I think he will be surprised by the reception of the supporters. The Vascainos are not only in Rio, they are all over Brazil. Every time they move, they will be there. They are as warm as the Marseillais. He will discover a historic club, different from the others.
If you had any advice to give him?
Pay attention to his diet! Here, the gastronomic culture is different. There are very good restaurants, churrascarias, and he will have to be careful not to gain weight. (Smile.) “
