The boys from Brazil
In an exclusive interview with fcbarcelona.com, Brazilians Thiago
Motta and Fabio Rochemback, who've struck up a great friendship, talk about their life in Barcelona.
fcbarcelona.com: Do you remember how you met?
Motta: Yes, it was here when I began to train with the first team. He was already
here, it was his first year and he didn't know that I was Brazilian too. I remember we had a bit of a set to in the first session, but we've really become great friends since then.
Rochemback: That's right, it was a rather special way to get introduced. I put in a tackle in his first training session with the first team, he got a bit angry and I found out he was a Brazilian too! Since then we've built up a good friendship.
fcbarcelona.com: What do you like doing in your spare time?
Motta: I'm really into music. Music from anywhere: American or Spanish or Brazilian.I also like eating ice cream.
Rochemback: I'm into watching films, not at a cinema, but at home. I spend most evenings in front of the TV and maybe see three or four films a day. I think I've got about 300 at home. I also like music, especially Brazilian music.
fcbarcelona.com: What kind of films do you like?
Motta: Action films, my favourite is 'Hurricane Carter'.
Rochemback: I prefer comedies, but I couldn't tell you my special favourite.
fcbarcelona.com: Do you live on your own?
Motta: Im still living with my family, I really miss them when they're not here and I feel much better now they're here with me.
Rochemback: Im living alone right now, but my family come across to see me regularly and stay for a couple of months.
fcbarcelona.com: So when it's time to eat, do you go out or eat at home?
Motta: When my mum's cooking, I eat at home, otherwise I'll go out and eat with my friends. I've made a lot of friends, both from within the footballing world and from other areas.
Rochemback: For me it depends, sometimes at home and sometimes with friends.
fcbarcelona.com: And what kind of cars do you like?
Motta: I love cars especially BMWs.
Rochemback: Yes, me too, but I'm not really hung up on them.
fcbarcelona.com: Do you keep up with the fashions?
Motta: Of course! I like to be well dressed. But I haven't got any special preferences for specific brands. If I like something, I wear it.
Rochemback: I follow fashions a bit. My favourite designer is Versace.
fcbarcelona.com: Do you like PlayStation?
Motta: I play a little, but I'm not one of those who play all day.
Rochemback: I love PlayStation. I play quite a lot at home, and in the hotels before matches. I love the football games.
fcbarcelona.com: Do you go and watch the games of the other sports sections of the Club?
Motta: Yes, sometimes I go to the Palau arena to watch basketball. That way I get to see my friend Varejao. I started going this year, and the fact is you have a good time. Now I really fancy going to see a Handball game, 'cos I've never been.
Rochemback: I went to see a basketball match with Thiago. To see Varejao, in fact. It was great. I really enjoyed it.
fcbarcelona.com: Do you play any other sport besides football?
Motta: I know how to play basketball, volleyballbut I don't really play.
Rochemback: Apart from football, I really love tennis. When I have time, I play. I'm not too bad.
fcbarcelona.com: Who's your favourite sportsperson?
Motta: I really admire Michael Jordan. I remember that once, a while ago, the Barça B fitness coach lent me a book about him. I had seen a lot of his games while I was in Brazil, and after reading the book I liked him even more. I even went to the cinema to watch a film about his life.
Rochemback: Bearing in mind how much I like tennis, I have to choose Gustavo Kuerten. I've never met him, but I'd like to.
fcbarcelona.com: What's your ideal woman like?
Motta: I don't pay too much attention to physical beauty, though when you see a girl for the first time it obviously counts. She has to have a nice personality and radiate happiness when she walks into a room. It's also important that she helps you through the hard times and gives you confidence. Physical appearance isn't a big deal.
Rochemback: My ideal woman... I don't know. Above all she has to be sincere, because there are a lot who aren't.
fcbarcelona.com: Have you managed to get used to Spanish food?
Motta: Me, perfectly. The fact is I don't have any problems with food. I'll eat anything.
Rochemback: I love meat. And since you can get it here and in Brazil, no problem. And I just love my mother's cooking.
fcbarcelona.com: Do you like Internet?
Motta: I love it. Especially now that my computer has been fixed and I can spend a lot of time surfing.
Rochemback: Yes, very much. I use it a lot for keeping in touch with friends and family.
fcbarcelona.com: A wish for 2003?
Motta: On a sporting level, I hope we win something. And in general, good health for everyone and an end to all wars, which are the biggest misfortune.
Rochemback: I'm dying for Barça to win something. Last year we didn't win anything, and I hope this year will be different.
