Rolando feels that he played an important role in the growth of players like David Carmo at Sporting de Braga. After a year without playing, the 37-year-old Portuguese international remembers the period he lived with David Carmo, now a player for Futebol Clube do Porto, the club where Rolando conquered the space that would take him to the Portuguese team. .
“My role in Braga also went through that (role with the youngest),” recalls Rolando in an interview with TSF. “For being of my position, for having a personality compatible with mine, [o David Carmo] He became not only a professional colleague, but also one of the friends I have in football. I gave him some advice”, explains the centre-back, who has spent, in addition to FC Porto, Marseille, Inter Milan and Naples.
During this period in which they shared a dressing room, Rolando saw how David Carmo was fighting against the serious injury that kept the young center-back off the pitch for almost a year. “The misfortune that he had was complicated, but it helped shape his personality. (Injuries) They are something that helps you see things differently, to relativize problems, to realize that football is a blessing”.
“I know the player, the person, I know he has the ability to play for Futebol Clube do Porto. To get to the national team he has to continue doing what he has done in these first games, at a better level. But knowing him (David Carmo) as I do, I know that he will know how to maintain the quality in the exhibitions to reach another level “
champions league debut
David Carmo’s debut in the Champions League did not, however, have the desired result. The team conceded a goal in the last minutes of the match in Madrid, against Atlético, a goal by Antoine Griezmann, coming from a corner. “It was a Champions League match. I already knew that playing against Atlético is always complicated”, explains Rolando. “I thought the match, or the story of the match, was over. They were unlucky with a set piece, but that’s the Champions League. They ended up conceding the second goal.”
The Dragons’ European debut, in addition to the defeat, includes the injury of Otávio, one of the team’s leaders, who will miss the next few weeks of competition with two broken ribs. “Losing one of the leaders is always difficult. But there is always another side. In the first games of the season, in the absence of Otávio, the team knew how to respond. It is an opportunity for others to step forward. “It’s time to show a reaction, explains Rolando, also within the squad for those who have played the least.
Braga and Artur Jorge start
At 37 years old, Rolando is looking for a new club. It’s free on the market, you can still sign for another emblem. “I’ve already had a few close calls. But at the moment what interests me is not so much the country, the language, the championship or the club. I want a project that is compatible with my current moment. If I was away last year, I think I can hopefully a fun project will come up, where I feel important”, says the central defender who has played more than 200 games in the Portuguese league.
After three seasons at Braga, the Portuguese international central defender recognizes a great quality at Minho. Still, he reckons the club’s strong start – four wins and a draw with Sporting – is impressive. “I know all the guys (laughs), but I can tell that they are surprising me,” explains Rolando. “I already knew Artur (Jorge), I had already worked with her. They started the season well and I think they will get through the Europa League without major problems”.
Source: TSF
