Vitinho on joining Corinthians, Memphis' leadership, advice for English playmaker | OneFootball

The forward Vitinho, 32 years old, joined Corinthians in August 2025 and took part in the victories of the Copa do Brasil and the Supercopa Rei. After seven months and 31 matches for Timão, the player recalled when he “jumped the gun” on the club’s official announcement upon his arrival and shared his feelings about playing for the Alvinegro Paulista.

“The anxiety was huge, it was a great opportunity. I was very happy with the deal, I thought there would be no problem at all. I thought the club was already about to make the announcement and I ended up clicking there quickly, then I deleted it. Afterwards, I talked to the marketing staff, and they said it was no problem. It was a special moment”, Vitinho began in an interview with R7 Esportes.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“It’s surreal (playing for Corinthians). Without a doubt, one of the best teams I’ve ever played for, that I’ve had this opportunity. I’m also happy with the moment, because we were able to win important things. So, I have no words”, the forward continued.

Vitinho scored his first goal for Corinthians in the 1-1 draw with Portuguesa in the quarterfinals of the Paulistão. The goal was scored in the final minutes and took the match to penalties, where Timão came out on top. The player spoke about the anxiety he felt to score for the first time and praised the unity of the squad, which was important to stay balanced.

“I was very close, but as time goes by, the anxiety grows. Of course, we have to keep a cool head to be prepared for that moment. It took a little while, but it happened at an important time, so it was worth it. I think it was in an important game for us and it was a big step we took in the competition as well”, said the forward.

“Without a doubt, it’s one of the most united squads I’ve had the chance to work with. I think it makes it much easier to achieve our goals. We don’t just think about what we have to do, but about what we can do and how we can always play better, be prepared. Of course, throughout the season, not everyone can play well every game, not everyone can be at their best within the team. Everyone wants their spot, wants to play, but this group allows everyone to feel comfortable, everyone to be prepared. I know I can count on you when you come onto the field and I’ll support you in every tough moment, so we can celebrate together in the good moments. I think that, in decisive moments, makes a difference”, he went on.

“A lot of people, like Matheuzinho, every game would say to me ‘the goal is coming today,’ others would say the moment would come, and so on. I think that brings a great lightness, knowing that even though I hadn’t achieved that goal of scoring, they knew how much I was trying, how much I was helping the team in the games and in tough moments we had, and helping the team to be in a better position, to push the team forward. And that was all that was missing to crown it and make everything lighter”, Vitinho continued.

“So, I think their support was also fundamental all this time. And I’m very happy to have teammates like that who motivate me, just as I try to do with them every day. So, I think that’s a very good complement that we can take into crucial moments, to reap good results from it”, the forward concluded.

Vitinho also spoke about what could consolidate him as an important player for Corinthians and the Fiel Torcida. The forward said he has been working to improve and praised the confidence he receives from coach Dorival Júnior.

“Nothing but time and hard work, right? Of course, we always want results, but many times, we have to go through a process. And the way we face this process is what changes everything. With my experience, I’ve been working a lot on this in myself, in everything, with patience, knowing that things will happen, and every day will come”, said the number 11.

“Dorival is someone I’ve had the chance to work with before, he has a very good feeling, a very good sensitivity to guide, to motivate, to put the players in at the right time to play, to give opportunities to those who are playing at any given moment. And he’s always preparing us so that, in decisive moments, we can come in and make a difference. Scoring goals is always wonderful, but when not, helping the team achieve its goals. And it’s no coincidence that we achieved the objectives we wanted last season”, he continued.

“It’s something that my results will speak for themselves. I want to deliver all this so I can, and also deserve to, continue to be here. I think I’ve helped the team a lot with my game. Of course, my goals this season are bigger. I went through my adaptation phase, coming back to Brazil, adapting to this totally different dynamic. Because here there are many games, many trips, you have to take care of yourself as much as possible. So, at the right time, things will fall into place, if it’s God’s will, first and foremost, everything will happen. And we are working for that”, the player finished.

The Corinthians forward also spoke about the recent national titles and praised the work done by Corinthians since last season. Vitinho pointed out that recognizing their own limitations was important to achieving these victories.

“I think everything is the result of work, right? Corinthians has been committed, went through very tough times, regarding the presidency, and dealing with that inside a giant club like Corinthians in that situation is not a simple task, but even so, the club did an excellent job to prepare, understanding its limitations, understanding where it could reach. And we were very precise in what we needed to do”, he commented.

“The Copa do Brasil campaign was a wonderful campaign, where we won most of the games and only had one setback in the competition. And it’s only natural that we deserved to win that title. For the final against Flamengo, we arrived very prepared and very strong, and it’s no coincidence that we were also happy to win it”, continued the number 11.

In the next part of the interview, the 32-year-old player talked about what it’s like to share the locker room with Memphis Depay. The forward heaped praise on the Dutchman and commented on the importance he has for the club’s development, both on and off the pitch.

“Who wouldn’t want to play with the best players in the world, right? Our number 10 is out of this world, it’s no wonder he has the history he does. It’s no wonder he’s the top scorer for the Netherlands national team, that he played for the clubs he did. He’s also a different person. He has a very strong personality. But he’s a very supportive guy, a friend. He tries to help everyone”, Vitinho pointed out.

“He’s a guy who fights for us in certain things we face daily. Things that need to be, need to improve. Things we can do better. He tries to bring that European mentality into the club. To change the next steps, the future of Corinthians as well, the players coming up from the youth academy, who are starting their careers. So, he’s a fundamental player and it’s a pleasure to play with him”, he added.

Taking advantage of the topic of foreign players at Timão, the forward commented on the arrival of Englishman Jesse Lingard, announced by the club last Friday (6th). Vitinho pointed out what the new teammate needs to do to earn the trust of the Fiel.

“I think you need to live Corinthians, right? And Corinthians is different from anything we’ve experienced in our careers, it has a loyal, passionate fanbase. And I hope we have that awareness and give back on the pitch. At times we won’t play well, but the fans demand that we put in the effort, that we have grit and determination. And I think that’s one of the secrets to good adaptation, to a good reception, to earning the trust of the fans, earning the trust of the club. I think that’s the main step”, the player concluded.

Vitinho and the rest of the Corinthians squad are preparing to take the field next Wednesday (11th), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Coritiba. The match will take place at Neo Química Arena and will be valid for the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship.

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