Vozinha not focused on his new found fame after heroic performance against Spain | OneFootball

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha says he is trying not to focus on his new found social media fame.

The 40-year-old was awarded Player of the Match in Cape Verde’s World Cup opener against European champions Spain after making a series of superb saves to secure a 0-0 draw.

Vozinha’s social media following has seen a stark rise since his heroic performance, with his followers on Instagram rising from fifty thousand prior to the match against Spain, to 13.7 million on Thursday. The 40-year-old says he is not focused on his new-found fame.

“I don’t want to talk about this,” he said. “Sorry, but we are here because of football. We are here for the national team and because of the World Cup. So, I’m very grateful for everything, but please, let’s speak about football.

“Honestly, it’s not easy to deal with all of this, but I’m trying to not get caught up in it and I’m spending as little time as possible on social media because it’s not good.

“We’re here for the national squad, for soccer, and for the World Cup. It’s been a dream since childhood and to realise it is all I need to focus on.”

Vozinha also revealed in an emotional post-match interview that his mother was unable to secure a visa to be there to watch him, but the U.S. State Department has stepped in after his comments went viral and confirmed the keeper’s mother had received approval to travel.

Ana Candida Evora (Vozinha’s mother) will now be in attendance for the Blue Sharks’ match against Uruguay.

“Yes, I think it’s all settled,” said Vozinha. “And I hope she will be here soon. For me, this is very important because my whole family is important to me. And my whole family has always supported me in everything. And to have her (his mother) here, for me, it’s something special.

“My father is also here, my brother also. I am very happy. I wish I could bring more of my family; maybe my brothers and sister and nephews. But sometimes it’s difficult. But I am very happy for this.”