Fred Interview

By: John | September 26th, 2008

One of my least favorite subjects- aside from ethnic cleansing, and life threatning diseases- is Lyon’s resident brat, Frederico Chaves Guedes Fred. Fred recently gave an interview in French on OL’s website. Since they didn’t offer an English translation- and annoyingly, OL doesn’t offer translations for alot of their articles- I thought I’d share a verbatim of the interview. Fred talks about his personal life and plans for his future, including his new found loyalty to OL.

Interviewer: How do you judge the start of your season?

Fred:I had a good game against Nice but against Fiorentina, my level of play dropped-off. It’s normal because previously I had spent four months resting, without playing due to injury. My season has begun. I’m very eager to score; maybe Saturday against Nancy.

Interviewer: Wednesday against Fiorentina, the OL supporters whistled at you during your exit from the pitch. What did you feel?

Fred:I felt the whistles, but that’s normal. It’s up to me to change that. I know once I start to score and do good things the people will be behind me. I understand the reaction of the fans after all that happened last season between the transfer rumors, my falsely rumored departure for Paris, and the declarations of the president who said that he wasn’t even sure that I was even injured. But I understand his intentions, I understand well. He didn’t say that with malice. I had two invasive surgeries. So I was sad to hear that.

Interviewer: Do you feel confident at the moment?

Fred: I have gone through difficult times both from a contractual point, as well as personal, and this has complicated my relations with the club. With OL, we have become angry and I have become exhausted with all these stories, but everything is fine now, and I think I will stay at Lyon(Fred’s contract expires this season). I want to score goals so that the club may offer me a new proposal. I’ve explained it to my brother, who looks after most of my interests, that my priority is OL. I will not talk to another club other than OL, even if another proposal is offered. My priority is to stay at OL.

Interviewer: Have you really been on the verge of leaving OL?

Fred: Yes. I divorced last year and my ex-wife took my daughter back to Brazil. So I told the president that I wanted to be loaned for six months or one year to a Brazilian club, so that I may be close to my daughter, but he preferred a permanent transfer. So I decided to stay at OL. For about four months, I didn’t feel like training or playing. Fortunately, my friends and family were with me. My little girl misses me, but I’m here to work. I play here for her, so that she may return to Europe after she has grown.

Interviewer: Have the negociations for a contract extension advanced?

Fred: After the game against Nice, the president told us that he would like us to organize a meeting with him. I hope that it will happen before January, so that all will be calm. Regardless, I have given my word to Bernard Lacombe and the president that I will not talk to any other clubs before having discussed the matter with OL.