Liedson: “I fight for Portugal with love – I owe the country a lot”
Sporting striker happy to represent adopted nation
 “There is room in my heart for two countries.” That is the unfussy and straightforward manner in which Brazilian born Sporting striker Liedson brushes aside any emotional quandaries as regards representing Portugal in the World Cup, where he will be striving to gun down none other than… Brazil.
The Levezinho opened up in an interview given to Brazilian website Globoesporte.com, offering some interesting insights and emphasising that he is sure he made the right decision in opting to play for the Seleccao.
“I think I made the right choice. I have no problems in saying that I fight for Portugal with love. It was a country that helped me a lot and I owe a lot to Portugal. Of course I’m Brazilian, everyone knows that, and I also love my Brazil. First I am a Brazilian, but now I am also Portuguese and there’s room for the two countries in my heart.
Tough group
“Portugal got drawn in a difficult group, perhaps the most difficult one in the World Cup. But we can’t choose our opponents. It would be difficult whoever we got. Now we have to make sure we are well prepared.
“We’ve got an extremely important game first up against Ivory Coast. Then North Korea who won’t be easy either. It’s not just Portugal versus Brazil.
“I’m not going to South Africa for a holiday. I respect the decisions of the coach but I want to play and I’m aiming to have a strong end of season so that I get to the World Cup in good shape.”
Liedson was asked about how he is viewed by rival fans in Portugal, and suggested that opposition supporters have changed their attitude towards him somewhat since he donned the Portugal shirt.
Respect from Benfica fans
“I’ve never had any problems with fans from rival clubs. I try to be an upright person in my day to day behaviour and score goals for the Seleccao to give joy to the fans. I have great respect for Benfica, and their fans have respect for me, because they know I’m at Sporting working hard and defending my club.
“Most of them say to me ‘you’re a great player but you’re at the wrong club. Make sure you don’t score against Benfica!’” But they are all very polite. Today I am liked by fans of all teams in Portugal.”
by Tom Kundert
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What`s that bullshit about moustaches I read the other day.
Benfiquistas and portistas f***ing azeiteiros