Interview with Araz-Nakhchivan’s new Brazilian Player Bruno Franco for Teleqraf
— What are your first impressions of Araz-Nakhchivan and how is the adaptation process going?
— My adaptation is going very well. Everyone welcomed me warmly and treated me kindly. The club and management gave me full support. I feel great and believe there will be no issues. In fact, this warm welcome is really helping me at the start of the season.
— This is your second time playing abroad. What did you know about Azerbaijan beforehand, and how did you decide to come?
— Yes, this is my second international experience. I’ve played in Bulgaria before. I already knew a bit about the Azerbaijan Premier League because some of my friends played here last season. The plan presented by Araz-Nakhchivan was very good, and after discussions with Think Ball, the agency I work with, I decided to accept the offer.
— You used to play futsal. How has that experience influenced your style?
— I started with futsal at the age of 7. It helped me think quickly and work in a team. Futsal is great for developing technical skills. In Brazil, it’s common for kids to start with futsal and move to the bigger pitch later. Many well-known Brazilian players followed this path. It teaches you a lot.
— Has anything surprised you since coming to Azerbaijan?
— I haven’t played here yet, but I’ve spoken with friends who told me that playing in this league is enjoyable and competitive. I believe Azerbaijani football has developed significantly. I'm excited for the season and to see what we can achieve as a team.
— How is life in Azerbaijan as a foreign player compared to other countries?
— Compared to Bulgaria, where I last played, traffic is more challenging here, there’s always congestion. But my daily routine hasn’t changed much; I’m used to the footballer lifestyle.
— How are relations with your teammates and what’s your impression of head coach Elmar Bakhshiyev?
— We players know what preseason training is like. The sessions are intense, which is good because we need to be fully prepared. It’s been easier for me because we have four other Brazilians in the team, which helped me settle in quickly. Coach Bakhshiyev has shown great trust in me, and I’ll do my best to repay that faith.
— You reportedly speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. What language do you mostly use in the team, and have you started learning Azerbaijani?
— I haven’t started learning Azerbaijani yet since I just arrived. I speak English fluently and communicate in English here.
— What are your future plans? Could Araz-Nakhchivan be a springboard in your career?
— I’m fully focused on Araz-Nakhchivan. My plan is to give my best and make history with this club. We can’t predict the future, but the Azerbaijani league is improving, and other leagues are watching. It’s an honor to play here. My goal now is to focus on daily work and contribute as much as possible to the team and fans.
— What would you like to say to the fans? What kind of player can they expect?
— Fans will see a player who fights until the end and defends the shirt with full dedication. I was one of the most frequently used players in my Bulgarian team. I’m a fighter, I give everything until the final whistle. Fans can always expect that from me.
— Your team will face Greece’s Aris in the Conference League. What do you know about them?
— I know Aris is a strong team and it will be a tough match. They had a good season in the Greek league and finished in the top five. Our coaching staff and players will analyze them thoroughly and prepare the best we can.
— What are your expectations for the upcoming match?
— Right now, we’re only thinking about this game. We've already started preparing and will continue working daily to be ready. If I get the chance to play, I’ll give everything I have for the team.
Idman.biz
