Neto Pereira and his a “Taco do Deus”

Leonidas Pereira Neto De Souza, or “Neto” for short, is Varese’s latest winter acquisition, but the thirty-year-old has already shown his promise, and is aiming potentially to become an indispensable acquisition for Sannino’s team. Even in the first match, against Mario Belluzzo’s National Under-18s, the Brazilian forward left his mark by knocking in a splendid goal with his heel, a real touch of class, after a pass by Ilario Aloe, that astounded everyone.

Neto, what was your initial impact with Varese?
“I’ve only been here for a short time, but the first few days with my new team mates were excellent. There’s a good environment and you can work your best; I think the town is nice, too. I had my first walk around the centre this morning, and I must say I like it.”

What was it that led to your transferring from Italia San Marco to Varese?
“I know the company very well, I know it’s made up of serious people and ambition. When they started showing interest in me, I couldn’t refuse. I still have to get used to the idea of playing here; after nine years of my life spent at Italia San Marco, in Gradisca d’Isonzo, it’s all very strange, but I’m sure I’ll quickly get used to the idea of being part of a great team.”

What main characteristics are you going to show us on the field?
“I’m a fast, technical forward, and I think this is what’s distinctive about my game. I hope to show the Varese spectators that I’m good enough, maybe already on Sunday. Today’s heal was a chance occurrence … it was the only way to score from that position.”

There’s no one quite like Coach Beppe Sannino. Tell us about your meeting with him.
“The coach is a great motivator, and I think this is a really important quality for someone in his position. He’s able to transmit his enthusiasm and his passion, drawing out the best of everyone.”

What do you expect from this new adventure of yours?
“I’m on loan for five months, and I think this might be my big chance. In this time with the red-and-whites, I’ll be putting a large part of my career on the line; I want to show I’m good enough for this category, and that I can also do well in the first division. But I’ll have to play my best in every match that Sannino decides to put me on the field.