Gerson returns to Brazil, addresses criticism of his father

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·13 January 2026

Gerson returns to Brazil, addresses criticism of his father

In his presentation at Toca da Raposa, Gerson spoke openly about his journey in European football, career decisions over the past few years, the current moment of wearing the celestial jersey, and the importance of family — especially his father — in his personal and professional development. In an emotional tone, the athlete also took the opportunity to vent about criticism and reinforce his stance off the field.

Revisiting his time in Europe, Gerson adopted a self-critical discourse, acknowledging that he left Brazil too early in his first international experience, but made sure to contextualize his evolution and defend his performance at the clubs he played for.

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“In my first departure from Brazil, I went to Roma very young. I wasn't ready — I'm a very sincere guy —, I wasn't prepared, and I decided to return to Brazil, to my country. After that, in Brazil, I achieved great things. Then, I went to Olympique de Marseille. Before that, I had my stint at Fiorentina, where I was a starter in most games. It's even funny because many people say things about my journey in Europe, but if you stop to analyze it properly, look at my time at Fiorentina, I always played.

“Then, I return to Brazil, and then I go to Marseille, where I scored more goals, had the best-selling jersey in the squad. If you ask Sampaoli, you can be sure he will say good things about me. Once again, I ended up making the choice to return to my country, achieved even more things, and then I thought it was time to leave again. Then, I come back from vacation and have the opportunity to play in a great club, with an exceptional project for my career. I think if it were someone else in my place, they would do the same.

Regardless of everything I've done in my life, the most important thing today is to emphasize that I am very happy. I'm in a great club, I'm addicted to winning, and I have the opportunity to make my name in a great club. I couldn't let this opportunity pass.”

In one of the most emotional moments of the interview, Gerson spoke about his relationship with his father, whom he credited with a central role in his development as a player and as a man, recalling the difficulties faced throughout life.

“Man, my father… actually, nowadays, I'm the one being his father. But if I'm here today, it's first because of God, for the talent He gave me and for all the days He allowed me to get up. My father was my first coach — many of you don't know that. We started training on the street. We went through many difficulties together, and he was always with me. My father always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. We argue a lot, but I get emotional talking about this because many people criticize, say a lot of things. It's easy to talk, especially in the world we live in today. People talk more about others' lives than their own.”

The midfielder continued emotionally as he detailed extremely difficult situations experienced alongside his father and reinforced his commitment to honor his family, highlighting that the current moment represents a collective achievement.

“No one knows what we went through. He was with me when we had nothing to eat at home. I had nothing to eat. And it's not now that I'm going to abandon him. We're together until the end. If I'm here happy today, this cry is not of sadness, it's of joy. Because only we know what we've been through. Today I can give a good life to my family, I can provide a decent school for my daughter. So, if I'm here today, I thank God first and then my father.”

To conclude, Gerson vented about criticism and public exposure, making it clear that his stance will always be one of respect and that the response will come exclusively on the field.

“I want to leave a message: I will never disrespect anyone. I may be going through the worst moment of my life, I may not be performing well on the field, you can criticize me, but you will never see me disrespecting, arguing with journalists or fans. I always respond on the field, and that's what I will continue to do. This is a vent because it's painful to see certain things, to see what they say about your family. It's obvious that sometimes the urge is to pick up the phone, make a video, even swear, but I'm not like that. I respond on the field, and it will continue to be that way.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.