Fluminense defender Gum has revealed his frustration over his lack of international recognition despite his excellent form at club level.
Gum, 27, was inspirational in defence for Fluminense as they clinched the Brasileirão title last season, his second since joining the club in 2009, but is upset that his form has yet to be recognised by the Seleção
“It is a goal of mine, yes. A dream to be conquered,” he told Globo Esporte.
“I am very happy at Fluminense and got what I wanted last year. It could have happened in that classic against Argentina, but did not.
“I was upset, sad, but then it generated an even greater desire to have a better 2013. If I do better than I did in 2012, I know it will happen naturally.”
The form the defender showed last season was even more surprising given that he came after recovering from the worst injury of his career.
“I prepared a lot for it. I searched a lot of strength in my family, to God and when I came back I had the opportunity to make up with my best.
“That’s what I prepared. I always wanted to play the next game better than the last. I thank God because I really played several games with great potential. It was the best year of my career.
“The injury was not easy. I stopped for a long time and I had to work hard to regain my physical and technical level.
“A year that began with much difficulty and finished as the best of all.”
And Gum, who moved to Fluminense from Ponte Preta in 2009, is happy and settled at Fluminense but admits that he could be tempted to move if the offer was right.
“Sure. My wife joked with me until the day of pre-season training and said: ‘I think we will not get out of Rio. You will retire here.’
“I’ve had proposals that did not advance. I am very happy at Fluminense. I love this club and I hope to win more titles here. If you get an offer, we will sit down and talk but it has to be a very good thing for me and Flu.”
Source: Globo Esporte
