The newcomer of our team - Brazilian extreme defender Atila Guilherme Sales Freire - talked about his first impressions of Tiraspol, his professional path, dreams and family support.

- Atila, welcome to Sheriff. What does transfer to our club mean for you?
- First of all, thank you very much. I am grateful for the warm welcome - from the fans, management and everyone who is part of Sheriff. I was received very well, and I believe that this transfer is a change of a lifetime, not only for me, but also for my family, who have always dreamed of it. I am very happy, motivated and looking forward to the moment when I can go on the field in a Sheriff shirt.

- You have a very original and beautiful name. Why were you called so?
- Guilherme is my name, my mom chose it in advance because of its meaning. It means “defender, warrior”. And the name Atila was suggested by my cousin. Then my mom started looking for this name in the lists of baby names and she liked it very much - so she decided to call me that.

- How did your relatives feel about your move to Europe and now to Moldova? Do they support you?
- I think they have already got used to it, because before coming to Moldova I played in Belarus. And even before that - in clubs in Brazil, but in other states. So they were ready. Of course, they miss me - it's the hardest part in soccer. But they are happy, and that is the main thing.

- How do you tune in for the match? Do you have any rituals?
- I like to just pray and sometimes watch a video of a player I'm inspired by, like Dani Alves. Or listen to good music - the kind of music that motivates me.

- How important is competition in the team for you? Does the fight for a place in the starting lineup motivate you?
- I came to give my best, to give my best and to wear the shirt of “Sheriff” with honor. This is a very big club with history. There are good players here, and I came with the desire to be the best. Competition is important - it motivates me to train, to take care of myself, to grow. We have a strong team, and whoever takes the field, I think everyone will give their best.

- You started your career in “Ceara”. Tell us a little about this stage.
- I only have a feeling of gratitude. I came there at the age of 6 and left the club at 21 - that is 15 years of my life were spent in “Ceara”. This club has brought me up as an athlete and a person. I love it very much. I hope that with God's help one day I will be able to return there and finish my career there.

- Last year you played for Arsenal Dzerzhinsk. What kind of experience was it?
- It was my first European experience. It was not easy: cuisine, language, climate. But I started to learn the language, got used to the food and culture - it became easier. Now I feel comfortable in Moldova, because I have adapted in Belarus. I even speak a little Russian.

- In your opinion, how does soccer in Brazil differ from European soccer?
- I also noticed a difference between Belarus and Moldova. Here, the players like to control the ball more - like in Brazil. In Belarus, soccer is more straightforward: faster to attack, bring the ball to the kick. And in Brazil, they prefer to possess the ball, to build the game. This culture is closer to me in Moldova.

- Are you ready for the challenges of the new season?
- I am very motivated. Now the championship matches are going on and I am looking forward to my debut. The Europa League qualification is ahead - my first experience in European competitions. It is very inspiring. We have a good team and I believe we can achieve big goals.

- Tell us a little about yourself outside of soccer. What are your hobbies?
- I like to spend time with my family, go to the beach - in this respect I miss Brazil a little bit here. I also like going to church.

- Do you have a dream in soccer?
- Yes. I dream of playing for the Brazilian national team - it's since I was a kid. I also want to finish my career at Ceará. To play for the national team and to finish worthily where it all started - these are my main goals.

FC Sheriff press service.