Barboza hails winning mindset, on Danilo back at Palmeiras: ‘I tease him’ | OneFootball

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

I’ve already said it, I was very clear. When I was at Botafogo, I was focused on the field, and that wasn’t a lie. I didn’t know what was happening off the field. I told my agent to only let me know when it was time to make a decision, because I didn’t want to know anything. I spoke with Botafogo’s coach and said I wanted to play. The negotiation was between the clubs, not me. When everything came to an end, Botafogo decided to leave me out. I had already achieved my goal, which was to qualify the club for the Copa Sudamericana, and it was 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 started moving. 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 supporting 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 what they fought for, 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 is very rewarding to see each one’s commitment on the field.

I had to choose a number. Mine would be 6, but it wasn’t available here. It’s the only number I can repeat. Every 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 told me to take 20, but I said no, in a way out of respect for Botafogo. I preferred to take the number 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 worked, where he lived, and all the facilities Palmeiras offers. He is a friend. We built a very good relationship. It was almost two years together, not only in victories but also in 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 around telling him to come. But that’s his negotiation, he’ll decide. I prefer just to 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 talk 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 used to say 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. The reality today 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 talking a lot and I didn’t want to know anything. It was very beautiful for me to feel their affection even before they saw me play. To me, that’s very beautiful. For my family too. I really liked it. And my teammates... it was incredible. When I arrived, there weren’t any foreigners. Only Andreas speaks a little Spanish, but everyone welcomed me very well. They always call me to hang out, they invited me to dinner. That was really cool.

That’s my personality. If I see that 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. Today 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 that things aren’t going well.

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