"Penta" is delighted with its place in the World Cup
Experienced in the national team, Kleberson wants to repeat the success of 2002 and win the title in South Africa
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
"I was at home in my room, hugging my wife and a Bible. We were waiting for this. We hugged and waited for each name to be mentioned. When mine came up, we cried and hugged a lot. At 30 years old, being in the World Cup again is very good."
The emotional statement comes from Kleberson, who played in the 2002 World Cup and now has another chance to shine for the Brazilian national team. The center of attention at Flamengo this Tuesday after being called up for the World Cup in South Africa, which begins on June 11th, the player made no secret of the fact that being on coach Dunga's list was a dream come true.
"It was a dream. The only ones who believed in me were my family, who dreamed of this moment. I came to the most important club in Brazil, and in the world, which opened the doors for me to play in another World Cup. I'm certainly much more experienced and seasoned, with more energy and desire to play. I'll be able to pass on what I know and I'll collaborate with everyone in the group going to Africa. I'll try to give my all to win the title," he said.
Called up four times during the Dunga era, Kleberson believes he made the most of his opportunities. A six-time Brazilian champion with Flamengo, he hopes to go from being the "Fifth" of the group—a nickname he earned for winning the 2002 World Cup—to becoming "Hexa" with the Brazilian national team as well.
"Since I was first called up, only my wife and I know how hard we fought to be called up by Dunga. I gave it my all, I had moments of experience that were very valuable. I took advantage of it with humility, I think that helped me get called up. Here at Flamengo, I'm a six-time champion, but during the World Cup, my friends at Flamengo still call me "Fifth," I said.
Kleberson arrived at Flamengo in mid-2007 and spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines due to bureaucratic issues. In 2008, he established himself, performed well, and from then on, he regained his place in the national team. A journey of overcoming challenges, which the player emphasized.
"To get to where I am, I went through countless situations, but I never stopped believing and working. I had the strength of my family, my children, the red-black fans, Flamengo, and the coaching staff, who were all fundamental to me. I'm very happy to be competing in the World Cup," he concluded.
The emotional statement comes from Kleberson, who played in the 2002 World Cup and now has another chance to shine for the Brazilian national team. The center of attention at Flamengo this Tuesday after being called up for the World Cup in South Africa, which begins on June 11th, the player made no secret of the fact that being on coach Dunga's list was a dream come true.
"It was a dream. The only ones who believed in me were my family, who dreamed of this moment. I came to the most important club in Brazil, and in the world, which opened the doors for me to play in another World Cup. I'm certainly much more experienced and seasoned, with more energy and desire to play. I'll be able to pass on what I know and I'll collaborate with everyone in the group going to Africa. I'll try to give my all to win the title," he said.
Called up four times during the Dunga era, Kleberson believes he made the most of his opportunities. A six-time Brazilian champion with Flamengo, he hopes to go from being the "Fifth" of the group—a nickname he earned for winning the 2002 World Cup—to becoming "Hexa" with the Brazilian national team as well.
"Since I was first called up, only my wife and I know how hard we fought to be called up by Dunga. I gave it my all, I had moments of experience that were very valuable. I took advantage of it with humility, I think that helped me get called up. Here at Flamengo, I'm a six-time champion, but during the World Cup, my friends at Flamengo still call me "Fifth," I said.
Kleberson arrived at Flamengo in mid-2007 and spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines due to bureaucratic issues. In 2008, he established himself, performed well, and from then on, he regained his place in the national team. A journey of overcoming challenges, which the player emphasized.
"To get to where I am, I went through countless situations, but I never stopped believing and working. I had the strength of my family, my children, the red-black fans, Flamengo, and the coaching staff, who were all fundamental to me. I'm very happy to be competing in the World Cup," he concluded.