Fred’s trademark smile has disappeared: he’s got a steely look in his eyes on the eve of Melbourne’s biggest football carnivale: the Hyundai A-League Grand Final.

“When I came here,” says Fred with the assistance of a translator, “I only thought about giving my best and conquering the next goal which is the next game. But to win the Hyundai A-League crown was the main objective that I had from the start when I arrived last May.”

But Fred is under no illusions. Tonight’s opposition are capable of spoiling the party for the estimated 55,000 guests at the cathedral of Hyundai A-League football, Telstra Dome.

Fred is a big admirer of three of the Reds’ star men. “I admire Nathan Burns of Adelaide United and their two Brazilians Diego and Fernando. They are dangerous players who I respect,” he says.

Decibels at Dome
Telstra Dome – with its wall of sound, flags, chanting – is something that Fred has become accustomed to this season. And it’s not too different to what he enjoyed during his career back home in Brazil with clubs like América-MG where he scored 20 goals in 80 appearances and played alongside Arsenal’s Giberto Silva and at Guarani Minas Gerais. Fred was equal top scorer with former Bayern Munich striker Giovane Elber.

“There is much gusto with the fans in Brazil and that’s the same at Telstra Dome. In Brazil, like here, they are waving flags and making a lot of noise. I like it, it helps you to play your best,” says the 27 year-old, whose full name is Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva.

And as the players walk out onto the manicured surface of Telstra Dome at 6pm tonight, Fred expects the Victory fans to raise the roof for “one of the biggest games in my career.”

Socceroo Fred?
Fred respects Australia’s national team but feels that if he got the chance through residency, he could bring something different to the Qantas Socceroos.

“For any athlete, it is a dream to play international football. And in my case it would be an honour to play for the Australian national team.

“They currently possess excellent players and perhaps I could help with a touch of the Brazilian football they all admire,” Fred says.

Of course, a number of Brazilians around the world have played for their adopted country. Alex played against the Qantas Socceroos for Japan at the last World Cup and Brazilian magician Deco turned out for his adopted land Portugal in the same tournament, to name just two.

Fred in the green and gold is an intriguing thought, particularly as he exhibits an excellent work rate. Although he says it’s not something he’s noticed.

“I’ve only defended a little more playing here. I was always a good professional in that I worked hard in running and tackling and I always worked hard to obtain my objectives.”

Winter arrival, summer bloom
Fred and the club’s two other Brazilian signings Claudinho (who’s since returned home) and Alessandro all arrived in the freezing Melbourne winter from sunny Brazil. Fred was signed from Guarani, Claudinho from Atletico Paranaense Alessandro from Internacional RS.

And aside from getting used to driving on the other side of the road, Fred quickly settled into life here, especially when his wife arrived to join him. “I am very much enjoying living and playing here,” he tells us.

The playmaker fuses a furious work rate with joyous jogo benito: that’s why he’s loved by the Blue and White Brigade and respected Australia-wide for his style.

And if the Melbourne men do end up holding the Hyundai A-League trophy later tonight, Fred will know he’s been a vital element in the re-emergence of this huge football state.

So, what is Fred’s message to the Victory fans for tonight’s Grand Final? “We’ll be giving it everything for a Melbourne win so we can become champions. It is not about individuals, it’s about the entire squad being together for this special occasion.

“Obrigado Melbourne!”



Reproduced from TheFull90 – the official matchday magazine of the Hyundai A-League www.a-league.com.au Get it at the game!