Cicinho is counting down the days until he can wear Real Madrid's shirt again
"I only think about recovering"
On Tuesday, Cicinho successfully underwent surgery on the torn anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. Now, a week later, the Brazilian defender is only think¡ng of starting the recovery protcol that will allow him to return to the football field the earliest possible. Cicinho welcomed Realmadrid.com into his home to talk about the first serious injury of his career, to thank Real Madrid fans for their constant support, and to promise them that he would work hard to return as soon as possible.
How do you feel?
I feel well. The doctors told me surgery went perfectly well. That is the most important thing for me because it means I can soon start my recovery. This very serious injury is the first in my career, but I'm taking things easy. I have to think about going back to work.
When it happened, did you immediately think it was something serious? People say football players know these things right away.
I did, but I don't want to think about that now. I'm going to work hard so that I can return as quickly as possible. The doctors have told me that it will take four to six months to recover. This is something footballers sometimes have to go through. My family and my wife are fully supportive. I'm ready to start to work as soon as possible.
What was the first thing you thought when the doctors told you how serious your injury was?
I was very sad because I had never been injured, and the first injury I have happens to be very serious. It wasn't a pleasant moment, and I found it hard to understand the severity of the situation at the time. Having my family with me is comforting. I have to be patient in order to return as soon as possible.
Many people must have given you their support. Which was the call that surprised you the most?
There wasn't a call that surprised me because I have many friends and I knew they were all going to support me at a time like this. Nevertheless, I was surprised with our coach's reaction. Capello was very angry, especially with how it happened, which neither he nor I could have anticipated. Maybe that's why he was sad. I vividly remember his sad face.
What has he said to you?
I've talked to both Capello and Mijatovic often after my injury. They have helped me focus only on my recovery and not worry about other things.
Ramón Calderón visited you at the hospital. What did he say to you then?
The same. He told me to stay calm and that he is counting on my return. He asked me to work hard because the team needs me at my best.
You may be recovered for the final matches of the season, which are always the most decisive.
I hope so. I've been talking about that with the Club's medical staff. I'm going to do all my physiotherapy with them, except for the first part of the recovery program, which I will undergo in Brazil. The Club's doctors will be informed of all my activities there. I will return to Madrid to have my knee looked at and then I will return home to continue with the recovery. I think I'm going to get well soon because I don't feel any pain right now.
Is it better psychologically to recover in Brazil, close to your family?
It is better right now, especially because my wife is pregnant. It is our first child, and it is important that we are with our families because I won't be able to help her much during the pregnancy. Real Madrid's medical staff is excellent, but my family comes first. That's why I have decided to go back to Brazil and start my recovery there. I will return to Madrid when I feel better, because I have total faith in the Club's medical staff.
Ronaldo, who went through a very similar injury with Inter, and Raúl, who had a terrible injury last season, must really understand what you are going through. Have they given you any advice?
They were the first players who spoke to me. Emerson, who had knee problems when he was with Roma, also talked to me. They have told me to only think about the recovery work because this is a very serious injury, and I will have to work very hard in order to get better.
Do you have any hobbies to keep you occupied until you start your recovery exercises?
The only thing I plan to do is go to the gym and start doing some physio work. Then I will go home, because I like being with my family and talking to them. We will go out to dinner or go for short walks on occasion, but not very often because I can't walk too much.
This is only your second season at Real Madrid, but the fans are very taken with you. We have received many messages of support for you.
I want to thank the fans for their constant support, especially now. People send flowers and gifts to my home, which help me a lot. The Club's President, Mijatovic, Capello and the Board Members are also supporting me through this. I am very grateful to everybody. The only thing I can do is promise them all that I am going to get better and will soon wear Real Madrid's shirt again.
Interview by Laura Navas
Photography by Daniel Sastre
Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell
posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 8:29 AM
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