André Lima hopes his strong end to the 2012 season will see him start in attack for Grêmio in their crucial Copa Libertadores playoff tie against LDU later this month.
Lima, 27, will face competition from former Wigan striker Marcelo Moreno and new signing Willian José, who has joined from São Paulo, for a place in the playoff game.
“It’s hard to start the year away from home, but I’m a warrior, I worked hard,” he told Globo Esporte.
“I finished the year reaping the rewards. It would be very practical if I had left the club, but I wanted to prove to my work.
“I’m quiet, I finished the year playing and I am working to start the year playing, to go after my goal.”
Grêmio reported back for pre-season training earlier this week and are looking to play three friendly matches, one in Ecuador, before the match against LDU.
So far they have concentrated just on physical work but will be looking to get up to speed tactically in the coming weeks.
Source: Globo Esporte
