Interview: Daegu FC Playmaker Cesinha

It must have been a magnificent and emotional week for Daegu FC fans as, not only did the Sky Blues bag their first win in ACL after coming from behind to beat Melbourne Victory, but they also started life at DGB Daegu Bank Park in the best way possible. Brazilian playmaker Cesinha has been instrumental for Daegu so far this season and was awarded the AFC Best Player of the Week Award. Accordingly, Daegu FC Correspondent Muyeol Jung spoke with the 29 year-old for an exclusive interview.




Muyeol: It has been amazing week for you after your first ACL match against Melbourne Victory, where you were not only did you pick up the Man of the Match award, but were also named as AFC Player of the Week after you helped the team to win 3-1 with a stunning half volley and two assists. How do you feel about the awards?

Cesinha: First of all, I am very happy, but I am much happier with the fact our team got the result in the end than my personal achievement but I think this is the reward for the effort I have put it so far.

Muyeol: It’s the fourth season you have had with Daegu. During that time, Daegu have achieved a lot like winning promotion, becoming a strong mid-table team in the top flight of Korean football, and then winning the FA Cup. No one would deny that you have been a key figure for these tremendous successes, what do you think the reasons are behind your success with Daegu?

Cesinha: I still remember saying “I would like to make history with the club, rather than becoming one of many footballers who simply come and leave after a while” in the first interview with Daegu and I am quite content that what I said came true. The reason why I was able to achieve a lot in Daegu for the last four years is that the club, coaching staff have strong faith and belief in me. Also, other teammates are very friendly and helpful to me and I thought staying in Daegu would be better option for me as a footballer. Lastly, God always blesses me to do better.

Cesinha is now the most beloved players amongst the Daegu fans

Muyeol: One of the characteristics which Daegu fans say about you is that you have decisive finishing in crunch games. For example; your winning goal in 2016 which earned promotion, an equaliser in the first leg of FA Cup Final, the second goal of the day in the second leg of the final, and a stunning strike against Melbourne Victory. What’s the secrets for this?

Cesinha: I do not know how I managed to score so many important goals for Daegu, but I do not think I have a certain secret for that. All of those would not have been possible without massive help from teammates. Moving forwards, I want to play a bigger role with teammates.

Muyeol: Now Daegu are about to host Guangzhou Evergrande in ACL where former Brazil National Team players Talisca, and Paulinho play. What are your thoughts about playing against players of such calibre?

Cesinha: I do not know them personally, but I know how amazing footballers they are with stellar skills. Paulinho used to play for FC Barcelona in Spain, and represented the nation in the World Cup, and Talisca is also talented player in Brazil. I have a great amount of respect to them as footballers, but the most important thing in approaching this match is that I am looking forward to playing against them as one team, rather than finding this match any personal meaning.