Giovani, the jewel that enchanted Abel Ferreira, reveals why he left Palmeiras for Qatari football

Promoted to professionals Palm trees In 2021, striker Giovani became known as “the jewel of the base that enchanted Abel Ferreira”. In June 2023, however, the young man left Verdão for Al-Sadd, from Qatar, taking many by surprise.

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In an exclusive interview, the attacker revealed the reason behind his choice. The lack of opportunities at Verdão, a complaint from fans during his time at the club, did not factor into the decision, says the athlete.

– Some opportunities we can’t pass up. I was in a good moment at Palmeiras, coming from the base, evolving with a very strong squad, and my managers told me about Al-Sadd’s proposal. I spoke to my family and the proposal was also good for the club, so we decided to accept and face the challenge.

The striker is currently recovering from an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, suffered during the club’s pre-season friendly.

The expectation is that Giovani will be able to return to action from May and serve as a “reinforcement” for Al-Sadd, who leads the Qatar Football League with 40 points, just three points ahead of second-placed Al-Gharafa. It is worth highlighting the team’s incredible campaign, which suffered just one defeat in 17 games played.

– I am trying to proceed with caution and respecting all processes, to return completely recovered. In the meantime, I’m still rooting for my teammates to maintain this pace in their quest for the title.

Focused on recovering from his injury and with his eye on his first victory on Asian soil, the striker avoids talking about his future away from Al-Sadd. But he made clear his dream of, one day, playing on European soil. And he reinforced the affection he feels for Palmeiras, even if a brief return is ruled out: “it’s forever in my heart”.

See below other excerpts from the interview with the Al-Sadd (QAT) athlete.

Lance!: Do you think about returning to Verdão one day?

– Palmeiras is a club for which I will always be grateful, for everything it did for me. There I learned a lot, grew professionally and personally, and helped me get to where I am today. It’s too early to say that one day I’ll return, as I recently left there, but it’s definitely a club that will forever be in my heart.

Lance!: You were part of the squad that won the first Cup in the history of Palmeiras, in 2022. What is the club’s secret at the base?

– We knew that this title was very important for the club and for the fans. Palmeiras invests a lot in the base, they have this strength, and this achievement was missing. Even considering the external issue, the pile of rivals, we know it had a weight. And thank God I was able to be part of this achievement. I hope that the players who are there continue to do their best at the base so that Palmeiras continues to be victorious.

Lance!: You played alongside Endrick in this Copinha. How far do you think he can go in his career?

– Endrick is outstanding, a top-level player and a good person too. Playing alongside him was good and easy, we understood each other on the field. I’m happy for everything that’s been happening in his life and I can only wish him all the success in the world. I hope we can meet on the field again.

Lance!: Do you hope to work in Europe? Do you think a good performance at Al-Sadd can get you there?

– I think every player’s dream is to play in European football, with me it’s no different. But today I defend the colors of Al-Sadd and it is for this club that I will do my best. The future belongs to God and we don’t know what could happen tomorrow.

Lance!: How was the adaptation to Qatar? Not just in football, but also in lifestyle. What are the biggest difficulties you faced?

– I found a completely different culture from what I was used to. But it’s incredible to be able to experience it. Food and language issues are always more complicated, but since I arrived the club has been keen to make me as comfortable as possible.

Lance!: How has the recovery from your knee injury been? Is there a date for the return to the pitch? What are the biggest difficulties in recovery?

– I have entered the phase of working with the ball, and the expectation is to be available to the coach in May, at the end of this season. But I am working patiently and following the entire process as carefully as possible. I’m focused on doing my best to be ready to play again.