Rayan celebrates first Copa at 19 and backs Brazil’s strong spirit | OneFootball

Brazil national team forward Rayan celebrated the opportunity to play in his first World Cup for Brazil during a press conference held this Friday (29) at Granja Comary. The 19-year-old recalled the start of his career, spoke about his call-up, and expressed confidence as he looked ahead to his goals at the World Cup.

“It’s a moment of great happiness, a time to enjoy. At 19, playing in a World Cup is for very few. Hearing my name on the list was a moment of happiness, not just for me, but for my family as well. A boy who came from the community getting to play in a World Cup — I’m very happy, very honored, and now it’s about enjoying the moment and bringing the sixth title to Brazil,” he said.

Rayan celebrated his call-up for his first World Cup with the Brazil national teamCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Rayan also spoke about his relationship with the more experienced players in the Brazil squad. The player, who along with Endrick is the youngest in the group, said that some leaders, such as midfielder Casemiro and defender Danilo, advise the younger players, encouraging them to step onto the pitch relaxed while being aware of the weight of wearing Brazil’s shirt.

“Casemiro and Danilo are always talking with us, with me and Endrick. We’re the youngest in the group. We’re 19 and still have a lot of work to do, a lot to learn. As older players, they have very strong leadership and always tell us to go onto the pitch and play freely, but also with the responsibility that Brazil carries, because at 19 we have to go out there and do what we know how to do best, which is help the Brazil national team,” said the Rio native.

In addition, Rayan spoke about his current spell in English football and the importance of that experience for his growth and for securing his place at the World Cup. The player helped his team, Bournemouth, qualify for the first European competition in the club’s history — the English side will play in the Europa League next season.

“It’s a moment of great happiness to play in the Premier League. I arrived there and started very well right away; the club has a very good structure. Getting there and providing an assist in my first match, then scoring in the second, is a very important experience. Those moments helped me get here, and I’m also very happy that we put the club into European competitions,” he concluded.

Rayan celebrated his call-up for his first World Cup with the Brazil national teamCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

A South American U-17 and U-20 champion with the Brazil national team, the player highlighted the importance of the youth ranks of the Seleção in his development and in earning a place at the World Cup.

“When you’re in the youth setup, you learn a lot. Our youth coordinator is Branco. He used to tell us a lot that when we reached the senior national team, we would arrive with a very strong foundation, because we learn so much. So we got here with a lot of knowledge, because we learned many things from many professionals,” he said.

Finally, the player emphasized the importance of Vasco da Gama, the club where he was developed. According to Rayan, the club was his second home.

“Vasco was my second home, from the age of six to 19, and it always helped me. I’m very happy and very grateful for everything Vasco did for me,” he concluded.

Rayan during a press conference with the national team at Granja Comary during preparations for the World CupCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

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