Gabriel Sara on Diniz bond, wants to return to São Paulo “at his best” | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz was the coach responsible for the start of Gabriel Sara’s career at São Paulo. Called up for the first time to the Brazilian National Team, the Galatasaray midfielder highlighted his relationship with the coach and revealed his desire to return to Tricolor in his best form.

“Diniz is like a father I had. He was extremely important at the start of my career. He was the person who had patience and helped me mature. He believed in me more than I believed in myself at that moment. I carry him in my heart. He even sent me a message when I got called up,” Sara said.

“I think he’s a necessary person in Brazil today. Many times we don’t give young players time to deliver what they can, and he is important in that development. Sometimes we need to look at football in a more human way, not just as players or machines, but as people who have problems, good days and bad days,” he added.

Desire to return to São Paulo

Sara made his debut for São Paulo in 2019, at the age of 20. The player was the target of criticism from the fans before hitting his stride and drawing the attention of European football. The midfielder said he now understands that moment better and revealed how Diniz helped him deal with the pressure.

“Diniz helped me a lot with that. I understood that the teasing was because I was going through a bad moment, and that if I changed and played well, that would change — and that’s what happened. From something bad, it became something very good, and I carry that in my heart. At that time, I learned to deal with criticism in a different way. Today, when people call me an astronaut, I laugh and take it in stride,” he commented.

Improving at Galatasaray, Gabriel Sara said he wants to return to São Paulo at a high level. He left the club in 2022 after 112 matches and one title won, but believes he still has something to offer the Tricolor fans. Even from afar, he still supports the club that is in his heart.

“It’s hard to follow the matches because they’re very late, but when I wake up I watch the highlights and have my daughter watch them with me. São Paulo will always be in my heart. It was the team that launched me into the world, and the last thing I want is to return to São Paulo when I’m physically struggling or older. I want to come back in a situation where I can contribute to the team. Today I feel more mature, and I still have a lot to improve to become a better player. I want to be able to return to São Paulo again in my best version, fit and ready to win titles and give the fans what they deserve,” he said.

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