Marcos André: "VCF is a club where everybody wants to be"

A week on from his arrival at Valencia CF, Marcos André is settling in well at his new club. The international break offers him the opportunity to adapt to his teammates and to coach José Bordalás' ideas, and also to talk to VCF Media about various subjects.

Settling in

It's been really good. I feel really happy to be here, and to have finally arrived and be sharing moments with my teammates. I'm really happy.

Signing for Valencia CF

So much went through my head. This is a club where everybody wants to be, so when I was told that the deal was definitive, I thought about a lot of things. I've progressed here in Spain, and got here after fighting hard. I'm proud of that. I haven't got the words to describe what it means to be here.

His early years

I started out aged 8, in my neighbourhood. Then I began to grow and took things more seriously when I saw that I could give my family a good life if I made it. Football is in our blood. I began playing aged 8, and I left home aged 14. From there, things started to gather momentum and I had trials.

The importance of family

I unfortunately lost my father when I was just 9 years old. It's just my mother and my brother now. My mother is like my father as well, in a way.  She's never got in my way, because she knew that my dream has always been to be a footballer, be able to help her and give her and my brother a good life.
A few months ago I bought her a house that she wanted. I told her that if I hadn't become a footballer, we wouldn't be in this situation. My mother has always helped me, despite all the difficulties that we had. She made a huge effort for me, and she's always by my side.

Looking up to Ronaldo

Everybody wanted to be a striker when they were a kid. They always want to score goals. Nobody wants to be a goalkeeper. You always look up to people like Ronaldo, Adriano, Robinho... people who have made their mark for the national team. For me, Ronaldo has always been different; for me and for every kid in Brazil. I have always followed his career closely.

A laidback personality

I'll be honest: I'm a real homebody. I'm not someone who goes out a lot. I live with a friend, and I'm always with him at home. I sometimes go to the cinema, but I try to spend more time at home resting and recovering. I'm 24 years old, and I like doing things, but I'm more about relaxing at home and talking with my family -as they aren't here with me. I play PlayStation with my brother, and I like that a lot. That's more or less what I do when I'm at home.

The international break

The international break will help me to get to know my teammates and get into the dynamic of the team, as well as gradually getting fit. I'm taking things steadily and getting to know all of my teammates on and off the pitch. I'm happy to be here, and to be learning more about them all. We're working hard to feel good for the next game.

Taking on the number 22 shirt

I played with the No.22 at Mirandés, and it was good. I had a really good season and we got to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. I have a '22' tattoo as well, from when I debuted. I have special affection for it. I hope that it works out as good for me here as at Mirandés.

His first goal for the club

I haven't thought about it, but I'm sure I'll dedicate my first goal to everybody who has made it possible for me to be here: From my childhood onwards. I think I'll dedicate it to all of them. They've all been very important for me.