Leonardo: The Japanese league is the most difficult to play, and the Chinese league looks a bit like the Brazilian league
Last week, Leonardo, the top scorer in the Chinese Super League last season, said in an interview with Brazilian media: "The Japanese league is the most difficult to play, and the Chinese league looks a bit like the Brazilian league. ”
You're constantly creating the best stats of your career in Asia, helping the team achieve better results every season. After leaving Brazil, being in a different country and football culture, tell us about your upbringing?
"In Asian football, I can say that I got the best opportunity of my career. In fact, such an opportunity is something I have never had before in Brazil. Before I moved to Asia, I had very little 'market' in Brazil. That's how I chose to go to Asia to chase my dreams, and I think it was the best decision of my life. ”
You've played in leagues in three different countries in Asia (Japan, China and South Korea), what's the difference between them?
"Without a doubt, I think the Japanese league is the most difficult. In the team, everyone from the striker to the goalkeeper has to be involved in the defense as much as possible, so the game is very tight. In the Korean league, there will be a lot of physical contact and confrontation. The Chinese league looks a bit like the Brazilian league because of the individual style of play of the players. They are different leagues, but they all have their own strengths and strengths. Asian football has been on the rise in recent years, and that's obvious. ”
Recently we heard that Sao Paulo asked you about your situation, have you considered returning to Brazil, and now that your [loan] contract with Zhejiang has ended......
"My point is, never say it's impossible. I am very happy about the interest in São Paulo. In Brazil, São Paulo is a giant club that has just won an important trophy. At this moment, I can say that I am a player who has achieved something in Asia and I am very happy that I have been writing my story in Asia. I don't think about these assumptions all the time, but I have to think about the reality of the moment and think about how to do it well, which is the most important thing. If I get a formal offer, I have to sit down with my family and think about it to see what works best for all parties. ”
You won the top scorer honor last season and helped Zhejiang team enter the AFC Champions League 2, can you comment on the 2023 season?
"Personally, it's been a great season. Being the top scorer and having the team in the AFC Champions League is a very important result. Unfortunately we didn't win the trophy and we gave everything to end up eight points behind the champions. ”
I've heard that your nickname in Asia is "The Little Prince of Asia", what do you think of their idolatry of you?
"As I said, if I had stayed in Brazil back then, it would have been a much longer and more difficult process. Now, I'm here to tell you my story, thanks to the Asians. In all the leagues I've been to, I've had great reviews from the fans. Of course, the number of goals scored is also a reason (laughs). When you can consistently contribute to the team on the field, it's naturally easier to be recognized. ”