Gil pays tribute to Corinthians: “Forever in my heart”

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Central do Timão

·22 November 2025

Gil pays tribute to Corinthians: “Forever in my heart”

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão

Corinthians defeated São Paulo 3-1 last Thursday (20th), in the 34th round of the Brazilian Championship. Before the match, former defender Gil was honored by the club and spoke about the affection received at the Neo Química Arena. He thanked for the recognition and recalled his time at Timão.

“I think, as I said, I identified a lot with the club since I arrived here. I gave my all, committed 100% of my life, my career. Only God and I know what I went through to give up many things, to dedicate myself for so many years at the club. I am truly happy, with a grateful heart. And it's a club that I will carry forever in my life and in my heart,” he stated.

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At 38 years old, Gil also commented on how the beginning of his post-retirement routine has been and even joked about possibly becoming a rideshare driver.

“I became an Uber now. It's a good thing, right? It's more relaxed than before. There are fewer complaints, no need to chase attackers, no training schedule. But it's been nice. I'm enjoying my kids a lot, enjoying my family,” he said.

Asked about the possibility of returning to football in some administrative role or function at the club, the former athlete said he still has no defined plans.

“No, not yet. I'm in the phase of drinking my Coca-Cola, eating my jelly beans, the things I gave up all this time. Now I'm quite happy, enjoying the day-to-day,” he added.

Gil also commented on the experience as a fan at the Neo Química Arena and spoke about the relationship with the fans after leaving the club. The former defender emphasized that he holds no grudges.

“I already enjoy it on TV, I came to the game against Flamengo too. As I said, it's a club that I will carry for my whole life and I will always be cheering and grateful for the affection. None (resentment). I think it was clear today, right? The amount of affection I have with the fans, and from my side too. I have zero resentment towards anyone here. The most important thing is everything we built together,” he said.

He also mentioned his main memories at the Neo Química Arena. “The game against Vasco where we won 3-0. That game will stay in my memory forever. And against Botafogo in 2023, after a few weeks playing with a right foot injury, training only with injections. It was one of my greatest memories here at the club,” he recalled.

Recently retired, Gil ended his career after his contract with Santos expired about two months ago. For Corinthians, he played 444 matches in two stints and won the Paulista Championship and the Recopa Sudamericana in 2013, as well as the Brazilian Championship in 2015.

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