Gringo thanks Valdivia for recommending him to coach Caio Júnior and says he is surprised by the affection shown by the Brazilian people.
Fabricio Costa Rio de Janeiro
It only took 20 days in Rio for Chilean Fierro to fall in love with the city's natural beauty. More than that, the Flamengo midfielder assures he's fully adapted to the Brazilian lifestyle. He reveals he's even made a list of places he wants to visit with his wife, Tabata, 21, and son Benjamin, 9 months old. However, he hasn't had any luck on his days off. Every time he tries to leave the hotel, where Flamengo is based and he lives, it rains. "I haven't seen much of Rio so far. For now, I've been walking along the shore and drinking coconut water at the kiosks on Barra Beach. I haven't been able to go to Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain yet. I promised my wife that, when the weather allows, we'll visit some tourist attractions," says the 25-year-old player, recently signed by Flamengo for a four-year contract.
Despite barely knowing Rio's nightlife, Fierro confesses he's already discovered his weakness. No more excessive women, no pagode, and no imported cars. The foreigner really approved of the Brazilian draft beer. And, laughing, he asks the fans not to pick on him. "It's hard to resist a cold draft beer. I thought it was really good, but I have to be careful around the Flamengo fans. When I go drinking, I'll disguise myself with a cap and scarf (laughs)," comments the player, who lists Argentines Maxi and Sambueza as his best friends in Rio. Valdivia Indication\ If there's anyone Fierro needs to thank, it's his compatriot Valdívia. It was the Magician, Caio Júnior's former Palmeiras player and currently with Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, who recommended him to the Flamengo coach. \ - In Chile's last World Cup qualifiers, I thanked Valdivia for his support. He spoke highly of me to Caio Júnior. That's why the Flamengo coach asked the board to sign me. \ Tupiniquim affection\
Fierro wants to visit Rio with his son Benjamin
Fierro is impressed with the reception from the red-and-black fans. Although he hasn't yet made his debut for the club—which should happen next Sunday at the Maracanã against Ipatinga—he's already signing autographs and posing for photos with fans. "I didn't know Brazilians were so affectionate. Wherever I go, I'm well received. Many people recognize me on the streets, even though I've only been training so far. In fact, I found Barra da Tijuca to be very peaceful. I haven't seen any violence here," says the Chilean national team's number 11.
Tennis player in his spare timeAlthough he doesn't participate in the video game tournaments at Flamengo's training camp, Fierro insists he plays tennis well. He hasn't had the opportunity to challenge his teammates, but whenever he goes to Chile, he plays fierce matches with his friends and family. "While the other Flamengo players are playing video games, I spend time online missing my family and friends. In Chile, I always play tennis with my relatives," says the foreigner, who is looking for an apartment in Barra da Tijuca but hasn't yet found a property he likes. Out of time hoopla \
Resigned to Chile's 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the seventh round of the 7 World Cup qualifiers, Fierro criticizes the stance of the press in that country. In the Flamengo fan's opinion, there was indeed a lot of hype surrounding the Brazilian team being easily beaten by Argentina. "I didn't like the Chilean press's stance. That exaggerated optimism ended up favoring Brazil. The players behaved differently. We all knew the game was going to be very difficult. As it was, we ended up losing," he reflects.