Barboza hails winning mentality, on Danilo to Palmeiras: ‘I tease him’ | OneFootball

First of all, I’m really very happy to be here. Speaking about those 45 days, I’m very professional and dedicated all the time, whether during the vacation period or the season. That’s fundamental. I’m someone who always wants to improve. That dedication, whether during the vacation period or the season, is what brought me here. The club put together a special preseason for me, which is why I didn’t play in the previous training matches. I’m very happy about my first goal, whether it was in a training match or not. It came from a cross, it was a beautiful goal.

I’ve said it before, I was very clear. When I was at Botafogo, I was focused on the pitch, and that wasn’t a lie. I didn’t know what was happening off it. I told my agent to let me know only when it was time to make a decision, because I didn’t want to know anything. I spoke with Botafogo’s coach and told him I wanted to play. The negotiation was between the clubs, not mine. When everything came to an end, Botafogo decided to leave me out. I had already achieved my goal, which was to help the club qualify for the Copa Sudamericana, and it had been agreed between the clubs that I would play in the Sudamericana.

I know it was a difficult negotiation. Palmeiras fought to sign me, Botafogo wanted to sell me, and that’s when everything got unstuck. They needed money to pay wages, and the only way to do that was through a sale. Botafogo decided that I would leave, and everything became easier after that decision. I’m someone who likes to feel valued, and that’s why I’m here. I saw how much Palmeiras wanted to sign me.

I can’t wait to play. My mother is Argentine, my father is Uruguayan, and my wife is also Argentine. I’m rooting for Argentina, obviously. I’m very happy for the country and for the players. They deserve everything they’re experiencing.

I played with more than six players from the national team. I know how hard they fought, what they went through, and everything that was said when they weren’t winning. Every one of them deserves to live this moment. For the country, it’s very gratifying to see the commitment each one shows on the pitch.

I had to choose a number. Mine would have been 6, but here it wasn’t available. It’s the only number I can repeat. Each club is a story, and I don’t like repeating shirt numbers. They sent me the numbers that were available. I had already worn 20 at River, and it was also available here. Palmeiras even suggested I take 20, but I said no, in a way out of respect for Botafogo. I preferred to take the No. 2 shirt, and I’m sure I’m going to make history with it.

It was very good. I saw Marlon here at the match against Junior and spoke with him. When the negotiations were moving forward, he called me to tell me how the club operates, where he lives, and all the conveniences Palmeiras offers. He’s a friend. We built a very good relationship. It was almost two years together, not only in the victories but also in the defeats. You get to know your teammates better in difficult moments. He helped me a lot at Botafogo. He was one of the captains, and that’s why we have a very good relationship.

And Danilo… I love him too. He knows I’m always joking that he should come. But that’s his negotiation, he’ll decide. I’d rather just watch. If he has to come, he’ll come. And if he goes to another club and is happy, that’s fine too.

I didn’t speak with Abel during the negotiations. We were supposed to have a meeting, I’m still waiting, but I also don’t need to say much. I know him and he knows me. I want the fans to remember me as a winner.

Gustavo is an exemplary guy, an example for everyone. Everything he has built here… he came from a club in Paraguay, where I also played. Everyone there was already saying they wanted to see us play together, but we ended up meeting here. He definitely has the same mindset and the same way of feeling football that I do. You see the team drawing, and he goes into the box like a center-forward to score the winning goal. I’m also training with Murilo, Fuchs, Benedetti, and Kone. I was surprised by everyone’s quality. Right now, the reality is that the starting pair is Gómez and Murilo. I have to do my job.

They started commenting on my photos. I tried not to spend too much time on Instagram, because people were saying a lot and I didn’t want to know anything. It was very beautiful for me to feel their affection even before they had seen me play. To me, that’s very special. For my family too. I really liked it. And my teammates… it was incredible. When I arrived, there weren’t any other foreigners. Only Andreas speaks a little Spanish, but everyone welcomed me very well. They always call me over for the banter, they invited me to dinner. That was really nice.

That’s my personality. If I see something is wrong, I’ll say it. Asking permission, with respect, but I’ll always say it. That’s who I am. Leader is a strong word, captain too. Right now I’m a new guy at the club, but experienced in football. I’m 31 years old and I believe I have the strength to help others when I see things aren’t going well.

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