INTERVIEW · BAREFOOT
‘‘Until they called my name, I really didn’t expect it’’ Ozu Moreira
H
e had been named in the Best 5 five times (something no one else can say), he was named best player of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2019, and he has been the MVP of many events during this year, but Ozu had never had the honour of being chosen as the Best Player of the Year by his colleagues. Something finally changed this November. We have the honour of speaking to one of the most recognisable figures in the beach soccer world, and now the very best beach soccer player in the world – Ozu! Thank for joining us. Hello! Thank you. Hello everyone. Tell us, has it sunk in yet? Have you come to terms with your new title? Yeah I’m really happy. It was one of my dreams, becoming the best player in the world. I was working very hard towards this and finally I was nominated. I’m very happy but I still find it hard to recognise what has happened. How was the trip back? Did you have a special seat for the trophy? [Laughs] Yeah it was a good flight, not many people on the plane. I had three seats for myself so I could put the trophy by my side and we could both sleep. Let’s just go back to that moment where you were named Best Player, what were the immediate emotions you felt?
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I was very nervous because I had Leo [Martins] and Philipp [Borer] next to me, two great players, and when they called my name it was like a dream for me. My teammates and the coaching staff were there with me. It was a very important moment. And what’s the reaction been like in Japan? My teammates, and in Tokyo Verdy as well, were very happy. They had expected me to get the Best Player after the Paraguay World Cup, so now it’s finally come and when we came back to Japan I had so many messages. They’re very happy.
‘‘ I immediately thought
about my teammates. I am very thankful to them ’’ What about media interest? Can this lift yours and beach soccer’s status in the country? I think so yes. We need to finish the quarantine then we can start doing some TV interviews. I just had two zoom interviews earlier today. But yes, I think it’s going to help beach soccer. We have our championship here on the 28th so I think it will help. We tried to push having the second place in the World Cup and we’re trying to organise the Japanese league for next year, like they have in Russia, Italy and Portugal as well. When you accepted the trophy in Dubai, your immediate response was towards your
