Party for Michila
Red-and-black basketball team surprises masseuse with birthday celebration
By From the Basketball press office - in
He doesn't play on the court, has very little familiarity with the orange ball, and has never scored a basket, but for over three decades, João da Silva, known as Michila, has been part of Brazilian basketball history. With over 20 years of service to Flamengo and the Brazilian National Team, the red-and-black masseur has visited more than 25 countries, worked with the sport's greatest athletes, and participated in countless important achievements. But none of this seems to have made Michila as happy or emotional as the surprise offered by the current two-time national champions this Thursday, celebrating his 65th birthday, February 8th. In addition to the traditional "Happy Birthday" with cake and soda, the masseur received a personalized jersey from captain Marcelinho after his physical training session.
"This is worth more than any title or money in the world. It shows these guys' recognition of my work. I can't help but be moved. I just have to thank you for the affection shown for this tribute," said the Flamengo masseur after receiving a shower from the players.
One of the most iconic figures in Brazilian basketball, Michila served three generations. From his time with stars like center Adílson, who passed away in February of last year, to forward Marcelinho, and also Hortência, Oscar, Maury, Carioquinha, Paula, Demétrius, Marcel, and many others, he reveals that he learned an important lesson.
"If you know how to work, no player is a problem," he guarantees.
And Michila has spent quite a few time with players. Whether for convenience or not, the fact is that he claims to have never had a problem with this or that player in his more than 20 years with the Brazilian national team. Interestingly, perhaps the one who could have demanded the most privilege is the one for whom Michila holds a special affection: the "Holy Hand" Oscar Schimdt.
"It's true, I was always treated very well by everyone. Honestly, I have no complaints during my time with the National Team. I think that of all the athletes I worked with, Oscar was perhaps the one who made the biggest impact on me because of the 1995 Neuquén Pre-Olympic Tournament in Argentina, which guaranteed our qualification for the Atlanta Games. He was retired from the National Team, agreed to return at Ari Vidal's personal request, and ended up being decisive in securing our spot," recalls Michila, who also reserves a special place for the U-21 team that competed in the 1993 World Cup and featured promising players like Rogério, Olívia, Demétrius, Caio Cassiolatto, Vanderlei, among others.
"What makes me most proud is that everyone made it in basketball," says Michila.
Despite having traveled the world and having visited countries such as Greece, which he found most different, China, Paris, Russia, considered the worst due to the fact that it was living in a post-terrorism phase, Germany, the USA, his favorite because it resembles Brazil, according to him, among many others, Michila does not forget his beginnings at Mackenzie, in 1970, the club where he earned his nickname.
"The person who gave me this nickname was Paulo Cesar Gringo, who played for Mackenzie and is the brother of Marcelinho, who was also a player and now works for Flamengo. He said I looked like Fio Maravilha's brother, who was known as Michila. From then on, there was no way around it and I also became Michila," explains the Flamengo masseur.
"This is worth more than any title or money in the world. It shows these guys' recognition of my work. I can't help but be moved. I just have to thank you for the affection shown for this tribute," said the Flamengo masseur after receiving a shower from the players.
One of the most iconic figures in Brazilian basketball, Michila served three generations. From his time with stars like center Adílson, who passed away in February of last year, to forward Marcelinho, and also Hortência, Oscar, Maury, Carioquinha, Paula, Demétrius, Marcel, and many others, he reveals that he learned an important lesson.
"If you know how to work, no player is a problem," he guarantees.
And Michila has spent quite a few time with players. Whether for convenience or not, the fact is that he claims to have never had a problem with this or that player in his more than 20 years with the Brazilian national team. Interestingly, perhaps the one who could have demanded the most privilege is the one for whom Michila holds a special affection: the "Holy Hand" Oscar Schimdt.
"It's true, I was always treated very well by everyone. Honestly, I have no complaints during my time with the National Team. I think that of all the athletes I worked with, Oscar was perhaps the one who made the biggest impact on me because of the 1995 Neuquén Pre-Olympic Tournament in Argentina, which guaranteed our qualification for the Atlanta Games. He was retired from the National Team, agreed to return at Ari Vidal's personal request, and ended up being decisive in securing our spot," recalls Michila, who also reserves a special place for the U-21 team that competed in the 1993 World Cup and featured promising players like Rogério, Olívia, Demétrius, Caio Cassiolatto, Vanderlei, among others.
"What makes me most proud is that everyone made it in basketball," says Michila.
Despite having traveled the world and having visited countries such as Greece, which he found most different, China, Paris, Russia, considered the worst due to the fact that it was living in a post-terrorism phase, Germany, the USA, his favorite because it resembles Brazil, according to him, among many others, Michila does not forget his beginnings at Mackenzie, in 1970, the club where he earned his nickname.
"The person who gave me this nickname was Paulo Cesar Gringo, who played for Mackenzie and is the brother of Marcelinho, who was also a player and now works for Flamengo. He said I looked like Fio Maravilha's brother, who was known as Michila. From then on, there was no way around it and I also became Michila," explains the Flamengo masseur.